The University of Houston ranked No. 67 among public universities nationwide and No. 4 among Texas public universities in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, continuing UH’s rise toward its goal of becoming a Top 50 public university, the system announced on September 22. The rise comes as UH posted gains in several measures of student success, officials said. The university’s first-year retention rate increased to 87 percent, its six-year graduation rate climbed to 66 percent, and the graduation rate for students receiving federal Pell Grants rose to 64 percent.

“I’m incredibly grateful for our faculty and staff who keep moving the needle to elevate our students’ success,” said UH President Renu Khator. “Together, we’ve risen in the rankings, and each move reflects our steady trajectory as a nationally recognized, Tier One university. Most significantly, it demonstrates our dedication to academic excellence and the communities we serve.”

UH is again ranked among the nation’s Top 50 universities for social mobility at No. 40, highlighting the University’s success in expanding opportunity and helping students earn their degrees, a university spokesperson said. The University earned Top 100 rankings in several other key categories, including Most Innovative Schools (No. 65), Best Value Schools (No. 78) and Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 96).

UH also ranked among the nation’s Top 100 universities — No. 96 nationally — for the reach and impact of its research publications and citations.

Research impact and student outcomes, including graduation and retention rates, account for more than half of the U.S. News ranking methodology.

As UH approaches its centennial next year, the rankings add to the momentum and growing recognition for the University nationally and around the world. Earlier this year, UH ranked No. 52 among public research universities nationwide in the U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings. UH also placed 19 programs in the Top 50 of U.S. News’ Best Graduate Schools rankings, including four in the Top 10.

About the University of Houston The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most culturally rich regions in the country, UH enrolls nearly 49,000 students. UH has a campus in Katy at 22400 Grand

Circle Blvd. which offers in-demand undergraduate and graduate courses in business, nursing, education, engineering, technology, healthcare and more, according to its website at www.uh.edu/ckaty/.