Houston Daily

The University of Houston (UH) has been ranked No. 77 on TIME Magazine’s “2026 Best Colleges for Future Leaders” list, moving up 11 spots from its previous position two years ago. This recognition places UH among the top colleges in the country known for preparing students to become future leaders.

UH is one of only three public universities in Texas to be included on the list, alongside the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. Other Texas institutions named in the top 100 are Trinity University, Baylor University, and Rice University.

TIME Magazine compiled its rankings by working with Statista, an international provider of market and consumer data. The analysis focused on the educational backgrounds of 2,000 influential leaders across various industries. Researchers reviewed public resumes, websites, corporate biographies, and career profiles to determine which colleges are most closely associated with producing high-achieving leaders.

Diane Z. Chase, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at UH, said: “This latest TIME Magazine ranking further demonstrates what is widely known across the nation — the University of Houston is teaching tomorrow’s great leaders. Our current Coogs are blazing new trails in the classroom and within their communities. Likewise, our alumni are changing the world through innovation and determination. Leadership is built on many traits, and those traits are deeply rooted here at UH.”

Ivy League schools dominated this year’s rankings as they did last year; Harvard was ranked No. 1 with four other Ivy League institutions in the top ten. The inclusion of UH alongside these universities highlights its progress as a major public research university.

In addition to this recognition from TIME Magazine, UH has experienced a year of strong national momentum. Earlier this year it rose to No. 68 in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of top public schools nationally—moving closer to its goal of becoming a Top 50 public university—and was listed among The Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges” at No. 44 for academics, affordability, and career outcomes for graduates. Its undergraduate entrepreneurship program also received a No. 1 national ranking for the seventh consecutive year.

Chase added: “As we approach the University’s Centennial, we will celebrate those leaders that built this great institution. Their vision continues to influence generations of students who will ultimately emerge from UH ready to lead and succeed in their respective disciplines.”

With more than 48,900 students enrolled and a growing research enterprise, UH continues efforts to improve its national profile through innovative academic programs and initiatives designed to align with workforce needs.