Best
Private Colleges in Houston in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Houston, Texas, offers access to a diverse economy spanning energy, healthcare, logistics, and technology. Programs commonly cover accounting, finance, marketing, management, business law, economics, and data analysis. Students build skills through projects, internships, and networking with employers. Houston-area options include the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, University of Houston-Downtown, and Houston Christian University. Graduates often pursue roles as financial analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations managers, or sales representatives.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Houston, TX, offers access to communities and research opportunities. Programs typically cover cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology, plus statistics, research methods, and counseling. Houston colleges offering psychology include the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, Houston Christian University, and the University of St. Thomas. Graduates may pursue roles as research assistants, behavioral health technicians, case managers, or human resources coordinators. Becoming a licensed psychologist requires graduate education and experience.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Houston, TX offers access to programs at the University of Houston, Rice University and Texas Southern University. Coursework typically includes programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity and software engineering. Many programs also offer artificial intelligence, web development and team-based projects. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators or data analysts. Houston's economy provides opportunities in energy, healthcare, aerospace and technology sectors.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Houston, TX can prepare students to support people through mental health, relationship, and life challenges. Courses commonly cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue work as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or behavioral-health case managers, depending on degree and licensure. Houston options include the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Houston Christian University, and University of St. Thomas.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Houston, TX, combines learning with clinical experience in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and medical-surgical nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, nurse educators, or care coordinators, depending on their degree and licensure. Colleges offering nursing programs include the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas Southern University, Houston Community College, and the University of Houston.

Best Colleges in Houston, TX Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 20,160.0, compared with 41,462.8 at schools in the top 10% of the ranking.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, versus 69.33% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 69.33%. Schools receive an average of 7,322.5 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 20,464.0 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 574.0 men and 911.5 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,268.33 and the average ACT score is 27.0.
• Schools average 2,309.0 enrolled students, including an average of 205.83 men and 299.8 women.
• The average graduation rate is 54.0%, compared with 93.2% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 57.5% for men and 53.0% for women.
• Eight institutions offer associate's degrees, 10 offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 11 coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, academic test-score averages, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes. The figures vary across schools, so students should consider which factors best match their financial circumstances, academic goals, and preferred campus environment.

How much does studying at a college in Houston, TX cost?

For a Houston student, the average total cost of studying is $25,363.11. The listed average for tuition and fees is $25,484.80, while room and board averages $13,996.80, and books and supplies average $1,168.50. These figures offer a useful starting point as you compare programs, but they should not be added together because the reported total is lower than tuition and fees alone.

At the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, or Houston Community College, your bill can vary with program, course load, housing choice, and financial aid. Ask each school for a personalized cost estimate and check whether quoted tuition is per term or year. Budget for transportation, meals, and personal expenses, too.

The encouraging news is that Houston offers several routes to a credential, from community college study to university programs. Comparing aid packages and living arrangements can help make your goal feel more manageable.

How long does it take to finish college in Houston, TX?

In Houston, TX, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes about two. At the University of Houston or Rice University, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and whether you attend year-round. Houston Community College can be a starting point for an associate degree or transferable credits toward a bachelor's.

Ways to finish sooner include taking summer or winter courses, using advanced placement or dual-enrollment credits, transferring eligible prior college work, and choosing an accelerated or competency-based program. Meet with an adviser to confirm that credits count toward your requirements; this can save time and tuition while keeping your goals within reach.

Graduation rates offer a useful reality check: the average is 54.0%, compared with 93.2% for the top 10% of schools. The average is 59.9% for men and 51.3% for women. These figures show outcomes vary widely for Houston students, too.

Salary

After graduating from college in Houston, TX, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $48,526. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median is about $80,429 - a promising earning potential as you plan your next step.

Houston offers several well-known options, including the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, and Houston Community College. Your earnings can vary based on your field, experience, and employer, so compare programs and career opportunities as you decide where to study.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in Houston?

Beauty is subjective, but Rice University is often considered Houston's prettiest campus. Its tree-lined paths, landscaped grounds, and Collegiate Gothic-style buildings create a peaceful, cohesive feel - especially striking amid the city's busy urban setting. If you're exploring colleges locally, a walk through Rice's campus near the Museum District is a lovely way to see whether its atmosphere feels right for you.

What is the most selective college in Houston?

Rice University is generally the most selective undergraduate institution in Houston. Admission is highly competitive, with far more applicants than available places, and decisions consider academic achievement alongside other parts of an application. Strong grades and challenging courses matter, but there is no guaranteed formula - so Houston students may want to build a balanced college list that includes schools with a range of admission selectivity.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in Houston, TX Ranking in 2026-2027

Based in Houston, Rice University offers a highly selective, research-focused college experience for students who want to study in the city. With 9,071 enrolled students and an 8% acceptance rate, it is the most selective option in this group. Its 95% graduation rate and $67,619 median alumni salary stand out. Total study cost is $60,314, so compare aid and living expenses as you plan a Houston-based degree and campus life near the city's professional opportunities and attractions nearby.

Houston Christian University gives students a faith-informed private university setting in Houston, where degree plans can connect with the city's diverse communities. It enrolls 4,693 students, accepts 84% of applicants, and reports a 49% graduation rate. Total study cost is $36,750, while median alumni salary is $51,868. The university emphasizes Christian values alongside academic study, offering a smaller campus community than a large public institution. Houston residents should weigh tuition, housing, transportation, and program fit when comparing local options carefully.

The University of St. Thomas-Texas offers a Catholic university experience in Houston, with an academic community suited to students seeking a values-centered education. It enrolls 4,333 students and has a 90% acceptance rate, while its graduation rate is 69%. The total study cost is $33,784, and median alumni salary is $58,949. For Houston-area students, its local setting can make commuting and staying connected to the city practical; compare specific majors, financial aid, and living expenses before choosing a degree program.

Chamberlain University-Texas is a career-oriented university known for nursing education, making it an option for Houston students drawn to healthcare. It enrolls 2,270 students, with an 84% acceptance rate and a 25% graduation rate. Total study cost is $20,160, the lowest listed here, while median alumni salary is $89,977, the highest. These figures merit context: confirm program-specific tuition, clinical placement arrangements, licensure outcomes, and aid. Houston's extensive medical sector may offer a setting for exploring healthcare careers and clinical learning.

College of Biblical Studies-Houston is a specialized Christian institution focused on biblical and ministry-oriented learning, offering a distinct alternative to universities in Houston. It enrolls 419 students; its acceptance rate is not available, and its graduation rate is 40%. Total study cost is $9,000, the lowest among these schools, while median alumni salary is $36,208. Prospective students should check whether its programs match their career or ministry goals and ask about transfer pathways, financial aid, and employment outcomes before enrolling.