Best
Value Colleges in Houston in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Houston, TX offers access to a diverse economy spanning energy, healthcare, and trade. Typical coursework includes accounting, finance, marketing, management, business law, economics, and analytics. Graduates may pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, financial analyst, operations manager, or business consultant. Houston colleges offering programs include the University of Houston, Rice University, Houston Christian University, and Texas Southern University. Programs may offer internships and concentrations suited to local industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Houston, TX, offers options at the University of Houston, Rice University, and Houston Christian University. Courses typically include developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, research methods, statistics, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Students explore behavior, mental processes, and evidence-based approaches while developing communication and analytical skills. Graduates may pursue roles as case managers, behavioral health technicians, human resources specialists, or research assistants. Advanced clinical, counseling, or school psychologist positions require graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Houston, TX, combines programming and theory with practical projects. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and computer networks. Students build problem-solving skills through labs, internships, and team assignments. Popular options include the University of Houston, Rice University, and Houston Community College. Graduates pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or network engineer in technology, healthcare, energy, and finance sectors.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Houston, TX can prepare you to support people through behavioral, educational, and relationship challenges. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, group therapy, and practicum or internship experience. Graduates may pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, college advisors, case managers, or substance-use counselors, depending on degree and licensure. Houston options include the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and the University of St. Thomas.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Houston, TX offers access to clinical settings and health systems. Coursework typically includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, and patient care. Students build skills through simulation labs and supervised clinical rotations. Houston colleges offering nursing degrees include the University of Houston, Texas Woman's University's Houston campus, and Houston Community College. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses, providing care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community health programs.

Best Colleges in Houston, TX Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $20,352, compared with $37,086 for schools in the top 10%, a difference of $16,734.
• An average of 98.5% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 76.8% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 76.8%. Schools receive an average of 9,394.5 applicants, while schools in the top 10% receive an average of 31,791.7. The median applicant counts are 1,871.0 men and 2,843.0 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,170.67, and the average ACT score is 24.0.
• Schools enroll an average of 9,042.37 students, including averages of 535.7 men and 764.11 women.
• The average graduation rate is 48.6%, compared with 83.4% for schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 50.0% for men and 52.0% for women.
• Nine institutions offer associate's degrees, 17 offer bachelor's degrees, 12 offer master's degrees, and 8 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 18 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare costs and financial aid with graduation rates, and consider how acceptance rates, applicant numbers, enrollment, admissions scores, degree offerings, and school settings fit your priorities. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and graduation rates, but lower average financial-aid participation than the overall averages, so weigh those factors together.

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

The average reported total cost of studying in Houston, TX, is $23,077.56. Use it as a planning figure: actual costs depend on school, program, housing, residency, and available financial aid support. Houston offers choices across price points, including the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, and Houston Community College; comparing aid packages and transfer options can help make earning a degree feel attainable.

The supplied cost averages include:

• Tuition and fees: $18,857.88.
• Room and board: $12,874.70.
• Books and supplies: $1,145.45.

These figures are useful for budgeting, but should not automatically be added together because they may reflect different institutional averages. Ask each campus for its current cost of attendance and financial-aid estimate. Also budget for transportation around Houston, personal expenses, and program-specific charges. Grants, scholarships, and starting at a community college before transferring may lower your out-of-pocket cost while keeping your degree goal within reach.

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

In Houston, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree at Houston Community College (HCC) usually takes about two. Part-time schedules, changing majors, or prerequisite courses can extend either timeline, while program requirements vary at the University of Houston, Rice University, and other local campuses. Plan on two to four years, depending on the credential.

Completion data offer a useful reality check: the average graduation rate is 48.6%, meaning roughly half of students in the measured group graduate; the average among the top 10% of schools is 83.4%. The reported averages are 50.27% for men and 48.53% for women, a small difference that should not predict any individual student's outcome. You may finish faster by:

• Using AP, dual-credit, or accepted transfer credits.
• Taking summer courses to keep progressing year-round.
• Asking UH, Rice, or HCC advisers about accelerated or online options; map prerequisites early with support.

Salary

Graduates in Houston, TX, can use a median alumni salary of about $51,531 as an earnings benchmark. Alumni from top 10% schools have a higher median of about $81,830. These figures offer an encouraging snapshot, though your own earnings may vary based on your field, experience, and degree.

Houston offers a range of places to study, including the University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas Southern University. Your choice of program can shape your career options, and the city's broad economy gives graduates opportunities to explore different industries. Comparing programs, costs, and career services can help you find a path that fits your goals.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Houston?

There isn't one official count, because lists differ on whether they include medical institutions, branch campuses, and nearby suburbs. A useful estimate is roughly a dozen major universities within Houston, with additional choices across the wider metropolitan area. For a student, that means a broad mix of public, private, and specialized schools to explore.

What is the largest university in Houston?

The University of Houston is generally the largest university in the city by student enrollment at its main campus. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, along with campus life in the heart of Houston. Its size can be a plus if you're looking for extensive academic, extracurricular, and career opportunities.

How many universities are there in Houston?

The number depends on what you mean by "Houston": the city itself or the greater Houston area. The city has roughly a dozen major universities, while the wider region has more. Checking each school's location is helpful when comparing commute times, housing, and whether you want to study close to home.

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

Rice University is a private research university in Houston, offering a close-knit campus and strong academic reputation. For a Houston-based student, its location makes commuting and exploring the city practical, though housing and transportation costs may affect budgets. Rice enrolls 9,071 students, with a 95% graduation rate and 8% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $60,314, while median alumni salary is $67,619. Its selective admissions and higher cost require careful financial planning for Houston-area applicants considering this prestigious private institution.

The University of Houston (UH) is a large public research university with an urban campus near downtown Houston. Its 48,950 students can benefit from access to city internships, transit, and cultural attractions, while commuting plans depend on where they live. UH reports a 65% graduation rate and 74% acceptance rate. Total cost is $21,515, and median alumni salary is $54,525. For applicants, its scale and comparatively lower cost make UH a Houston-area choice for students seeking a public university experience.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a specialized academic and medical institution in Houston's Texas Medical Center, known for cancer care, research, and health-professions education. Its 359 enrolled students reflect a focused community unlike a conventional undergraduate campus. Graduation and acceptance rates are unavailable in the supplied data. Total study cost is $22,153, and median alumni salary is $80,328. Houston students pursuing health careers may value its medical-center setting; verify specific programs and admissions requirements before applying.

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a public historically Black university in Houston. Its 8,704 students study in the heart of the city, giving local students access to Houston's cultural and professional opportunities. TSU has a 22% graduation rate and a 97% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $19,737, while median alumni salary is $40,744. For prospective students in Houston, its comparatively affordable cost and open admissions profile may make it an option worth exploring alongside support services and program outcomes.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is a public university serving students in the Houston metropolitan area, with a campus in nearby Clear Lake and academic offerings across fields such as business, education, and science. It enrolls 8,137 students, with a 52% graduation rate and 91% acceptance rate. Total cost is $20,544, and median alumni salary is $51,138. For Houston-area students, UHCL may offer a smaller-scale alternative to downtown campuses, though commute distance depends on neighborhood and chosen transportation options.