Houston Daily

The University of Houston has improved its standing in the Forbes 2026 rankings of America’s Top Colleges, rising three spots to No. 43 among public universities. The institution also advanced eight places to No. 107 overall among all colleges and universities nationwide. In the category of research universities, UH is now ranked No. 78, up from No. 85.

Forbes evaluates more than 500 U.S. colleges and universities based on several factors, including return on investment, average student debt levels, graduation rates, retention rates, alumni salaries, and outcomes for graduates such as securing high-paying jobs and graduating with low student debt.

Diane Z. Chase, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at UH, stated: “This latest ranking demonstrates the University of Houston’s commitment to student success and world-class academic programs. Inclusion in Forbes’ list of America’s Top Colleges is yet another accolade we can be very proud of and a reminder of UH’s momentum as a premier public university.”

UH reports a six-year graduation rate of 65%, which exceeds both state and national averages. Students are graduating more quickly than before; the current average is 4.7 years compared to 5.6 years in 2011, resulting in reduced tuition costs and faster entry into careers for graduates. The university notes that economically disadvantaged students, including Pell Grant recipients, graduate at almost the same rate as other students.

Among Texas Tier One universities, UH students have the lowest average student loan debt upon graduation.

Earlier this year, UH was recognized by The Princeton Review as No. 42 in its “Best Value Colleges” list for 2025 due to strong academics, affordability, and promising career prospects after graduation. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranks UH within the top 75 nationally and lists it at No. 36 for social mobility—a measure reflecting how well institutions help students from lower-income backgrounds achieve upward economic movement.

Forbes uses a methodology that includes alumni salary (20%), student debt (15%), graduation rate (15%), presence on prestigious alumni lists (15%), return on investment (15%), retention rate (10%), and academic success measured by awards won or Ph.D.s earned (10%).