A Complete Guide to Houston's Colleges & Universities [2024]

It’s about that time of year again. Many are beginning to think about pursuing further education through college or university.

If you’re among these people, our guide will help you choose the school of your dreams in Houston. We divided them into colleges and universities in our list.

What’s the difference between college and university?

Colleges are small institutes that focus on undergraduate education in various academic topics. Meanwhile, universities are prominent educational institutes that provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

What are the best colleges in Houston?

There are plenty of colleges in Houston to choose from. We’ve listed the best, most-often-recommended colleges for various courses and career tracks below.

Culinary Institute Lenotre

Website	*https://culinaryinstitute.edu/*
Contact Info	713 – 692 – 0077 [email protected]
Address	7070 Allensby Street Houston, TX 77022
Admissions Application	*https://culinaryinstitute.edu/admissions-financial-aid/admissions/*
Notable Alumni	• Sandia Horng—Bite Macarons • Drew Rogers — Drew’s Pastry Place • Michael Jones — Ganache Dessert Bar • Raymond Malone — Malone’s Deli

Alain and Marie Lenotre, third-generation French cooks, created the Culinary Institute Lenotre in 1998. The Lenotre brand is well-known worldwide for its French cuisine and pastry arts.

Students at Culinary Institute Lenotre study classic and current culinary methods. They also learn to produce hundreds of dishes, and broaden their knowledge of many culinary arts topics.

This includes nutrition, menu development, and wine essentials for students enrolled in associate degree programs.

There are seven programs: four premium diploma programs and three associate degree programs. Yes, students can take more than one program.

Of course, students have the option of specialty electives such as hotel, hospitality, and restaurant management, Lenotre sommelier, or advanced artistic abilities in pastry décor.

By the time students finish the programs at Culinary Institute Lenotre, they have everything they need to begin their own cooking class. Or become professional chefs and start their own restaurant.

Baylor College of Medicine

Website	https://www.bcm.edu/
Contact Info	(713) 798-4951 [email protected]
Address	Baylor College of Medicine One Baylor Plaza Houston, TX 77030
Admissions Application	https://www.bcm.edu/education/school-of-medicine/m-d-program/admissions-process/how-to-apply
Notable Alumni	• Richard King, M.D., Ph.D. • Robert Atmar, M.D. • Dr. Stephen Greenberg • Dr. Christopher Brann

Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is Houston’s sole private medical school. It is renowned as a premier academic health science center.

The school has a reputation for excellence in education, research, and patient care. Over 3,000 medical, graduate, nursing, physician assistant students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows train at this health science center.

Lone Star College

Website	https://www.lonestar.edu/index.htm
Contact Info	[email protected] 281 260 3500
Address	LSC Houston North Victory 4141 Victory Drive, Houston TX 77088
Admissions Application	https://www.lonestar.edu/admissions.htm
Notable Alumni	• Adam Wright • Vie Mixon • Natalie James • Sarah Stewart

Lone Star College is the largest educational institution in Houston. It is also one of the nation’s fastest-growing community colleges.

LSCS offers 180 programs to students seeking Associate Degrees, certifications for work in high-demand industries, and transfer credits.

College of Biblical Studies – Houston

Website	https://www.cbshouston.edu/index.html
Contact Info	Maggie Rodriguez 832-252-4623 [email protected] Admissions Department 844-227-9673 [email protected]
Address	7000 Regency Square Blvd Houston, Texas
Admissions Application	https://www.cbshouston.edu/apply.html
Notable Alumni	• William “Bill” Blocker, DMCE • Ben Chelladurai • Dr. Lisa Stewart

College of Biblical Studies is a private college in Houston, Texas. It is a modest college with only 119 undergraduate students.

With limited students, it’s easier for people to throw their attention into their studies at this school. The biggest draw? If you couldn’t have guessed: Biblical Studies!

Biblical Studies and Business are two popular majors. The admission rate for the College of Biblical Studies is 100%, by the way.

Graduates of the College of Biblical Studies also earn an average beginning income of $29,900.

South Texas College of Law

Website	https://www.stcl.edu
Contact Info	(713) 659-8040
Address	1303 San Jacinto Houston, Texas 77002-7000
Admissions Application	https://www.stcl.edu/admissions-aid/admissions/application/
Notable Alumni	• Brian A Benken • Jackson Francis Gorksi • J Shannon Cavers • Jessica I. Rodriguez Wahlquist

South Texas College of Law is one of the country’s largest private law schools. It offers students the chance to get an extraordinary legal education.

Interestingly, the school sets up programs that help graduates give back to their community by using their knowledge as lawyers. They also assist students with finding a starter internship or job.

Website	https://www.uh.edu/class/
Contact Info	+1 713 743 3000
Address	3553 Cullen Blvd., Houston, TX 77204 United States
Admissions Application	http://publications.uh.edu/content.php?catoid=37&navoid=13513
Notable Alumni	• Rheeda L. Walker • Michael W. Williams • Monique T. Mills

The University of Houston’s core is the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS).

They are dedicated to stimulating intellectual curiosity, creativity, and transformative education.

CLASS encompasses humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. Students who attend this university finish school with broader perspectives, potential and limitless possibilities in Liberal Arts.

UH College of Technology

Website	https://www.uh.edu/technology/
Contact Info	713-743-4100
Address	University of Houston College of Technology Building 4230 MLK Blvd. #300
Admissions Application	http://publications.uh.edu/content.php?catoid=37&navoid=13573
Notable Alumni	• Minela Bajrovic • Dan Garza • Isran Tisnabudi • Drue DaSilva

The College of Technology is one of the University of Houston’s fastest-growing institutions.

Here, they offer academic programs that encourage future leaders to use technology and creativity to solve real-world problems. All of their classes focus on bringing an engaging learning experience to students.

What are the best universities in Houston?

Choosing a university is like choosing a pair of shoes. You want the university to fit you because you’ll be spending more than two years there.

Here are some of the best universities in Houston to choose from.

Rice University

Website	https://www.rice.edu/
Contact Info	713-348-0000
Address	6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005-1827
Admissions Application	https://admission.rice.edu/apply
Notable Alumni	• John J. Casbarian • Susan J. Barnes • Julian Duncan • Sunit S. Patel

Rice University is a 300-acre campus in the heart of Houston. The close-knit community makes it easier for students to have an active campus life.

There are tons of research opportunities that students from all over the world can participate in. Plus, all students can choose from over 50 different majors.

University of St. Thomas – Texas

Website	https://www.stthom.edu/Home/Index.aqf
Contact Info	713-522-7911
Address	3800 Montrose Blvd Houston, TX 77006
Admissions Application	https://www.stthom.edu/Admissions/Index.aqf
Notable Alumni	• Sean Patrick Flanery • John Gray • Barbara Olson

St. Thomas – Texas is a private Catholic university in Houston, Texas. They accept an enrollment of 2,000 students each year.

The acceptance rate for St. Thomas – Texas, is 96%. Liberal arts and humanities, Nursing, and Psychology are popular majors.

Also worth noting is that St. Thomas – Texas graduates earn an average beginning income of $37,900.

University of Houston

Website	https://uh.edu/
Contact Info	(713) 743-2255
Address	4300 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston, Texas
Admissions Application	https://uh.edu/admissions/
Notable Alumni	• Elizabeth Warren • Lil Wayne • James Franco • Dennis Quaid • Randy Quaid.

Not all students who apply get accepted to the University of Houston. Admissions are somewhat competitive, with a 63% acceptance rate.

Psychology, Foods, Nutrition, Wellness Studies, Kinesiology and Exercise Science are popular majors that students pursue. Over half of the students here also graduate, in hopes of getting a job with a starting income of $43,100.

American InterContinental University – Houston

Website	https://www.aiuniv.edu
Contact Info	(855) 377-1888
Address	AIU Houston Campus 9999 Richmond Avenue Houston, TX 77042
Admissions Application	https://www.aiuniv.edu/admissions/undergraduate-students
Notable Alumni	• Penny Fowler • Aldwyn Gardner • Michaelamon’e Adger • Rolanda White

American InterContinental University – Houston is a for-profit university in Houston, Texas. This university enrolls less than 150 undergraduate students, so the acceptance rate is high.

Criminal Justice, Information Technology and Business are popular majors. American InterContinental – Houston graduates also earn a starting salary of $27,700, with 52% graduating.

University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center

Website	https://www.mdanderson.org
Contact Info	1-877-934-9150
Address	1515 Holcombe Blvd Houston, TX 77030
Admissions Application	https://apply.uth.tmc.edu/psp/applyuth/APPLYUTH/CS_20/h/?tab=UT_CS_NVT_APPLY_SIGNON
Notable Alumni	• Jun Gu • Jean Charles Soria • Athanasia Panopoluos • Anastasios Maniakas

MD Anderson Cancer Center is a public university in Houston, Texas. Only 265 undergraduate students are accepted.

Medical Technician, Radiation Therapy, and Medical Laboratory Technician are popular majors. Note that most MD Anderson graduates receive an average beginning salary of $64,300.

University of Texas – Health Science Center at Houston

Website	https://www.uth.edu
Contact Info	713-500-4472
Address	7000 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030
Admissions Application	https://sph.uth.edu/application/
Notable Alumni	• Victoria Yan • Leah R Fowler • Kareem Wahid • Aisha S. Dickerson

University of Texas Health Science Center is a public university in Houston, Texas. 579 undergraduate students enroll each year to make a difference in the health field.

Nursing and dental hygiene are two popular majors. Many UT Health – Houston graduates earn a beginning income of $66,200.

Chamberlain University – Houston

Website	https://www.chamberlain.edu/nursing-school/texas/houston?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=houston&utm_content=local
Contact Info	11025 Equity Drive Houston, TX 77041
Address	877 751 5783
Admissions Application	https://community.chamberlain.edu/s/application?source=300728&_ga=2.152189753.1293561595.1662787751-855503892.1662787750
Notable Alumni	• Dr. Ahnyel Burkes • Dr. Melani Bell • Kimberly Snowdon • Philo Cesar

Chamberlain University – Houston is a prestigious for-profit university in Houston, Texas. They accept 416 undergraduate students each year.

Chamberlain University – Houston has an acceptance rate of 86%. So, it’s likely for students who apply to get accepted.

There’s a catch though: only apply if you’re interested in nursing. Nursing is the only major available.

Chamberlain University – Houston alumni earn a starting income of $67,100 after graduating 100% of the time.

University of Houston – Clear Lake

Website	https://www.uhcl.edu
Contact Info	281-283-7600 [email protected]
Address	2700 Bay Area Blvd Houston, TX 77058-1002
Admissions Application	https://www.uhcl.edu/admissions/apply/
Notable Alumni	• Guion “Guy” Bluford • Bernard H. Harris, Jr. • Kevin Kwan • Evelyn Miralles

Houston – Clear Lake is a well-regarded public university in the Houston metropolitan area. It is a tiny institution with a total enrollment of 3,441 undergraduate students.

The admission rate for Houston – Clear Lake is 81%. Liberal arts and humanities, business, and accounting are popular majors.

Houston – Clear Lake graduates also have an average starting salary of $44,500.

University of Houston – Downtown

Website	https://www.uhd.edu/Pages/home.aspx
Contact Info	7132218000
Address	1 Main St Houston, Texas
Admissions Application	https://www.uhd.edu/admissions/apply/Pages/admissions-application.aspx
Notable Alumni	• Ruby Muñoz Dang • Marcus Bowers • Julie Voss • Mariselle Quijano

UHD is an urban university in the heart of Houston’s business area. It’s regarded as one of the most ethnically diverse liberal arts colleges in the southwest.

This indicates that the student body accurately reflects the diversity of cultures, languages, and nations found in Houston.

The university provides all students with a tailored chance for high-quality higher education.

Additionally, students can take advantage of small courses and personalized attention from teachers.

UHD offers baccalaureate degrees in over 50 fields and seven master’s degree programs.

As one of four distinct and separate components of the University of Houston System, they provide a significant opportunity and access to distinctive educational experiences.

Prairie View A&M University

Website	https://www.pvamu.edu/
Contact Info	713-790-7146
Address	9449 Grant Rd. Houston, TX 77070
Admissions Application	https://prod.applytexas.org/
Notable Alumni	• Juan F Lopez • Demarcus McGaughey • Mia Lackey • Liz Vaughn

Prairie View A&M is Texas’s second oldest public university. They are also the state’s first state-supported college for African-Americans.

They accept over 16,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate students every year.

University of Houston – Victoria

Website	https://www.uhv.edu
Contact Info	(361) 570-4848
Address	3007 N. Ben Wilson St. Victoria, TX 77901
Admissions Application	https://www.uhv.edu/admissions-at-uhv/
Notable Alumni	• Kelsey Schuenemann • Moses Olukoya

The University of Houston – Victoria gives students a high-quality university education.

from outstanding instructors at a reasonable cost.

They provide face-to-face classes and online classes for students to access. There are 70 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and concentrations.

Such as in the Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Health Professionals, and Human Development departments.

FAQs

What is a technical/vocational college?

Technical and vocational colleges, commonly known as trade schools, are two-year institutions that offer specialized instruction for specific occupations.

These schools are distinguished by their intensive curriculum, tiny campuses, and lower tuition prices.

Trade schools often do not require general education classes. Instead, they focus solely on developing the skills and information required for a specific trade.

Technical colleges and vocational colleges offer skills-focused courses. Yet, many technical college graduates often get associate degrees.

On the other hand, vocational graduates typically obtain certificates.

Most trade schools are for-profit private institutions. However, others have ties with community colleges and are thus public schools.

What are Liberal Arts colleges?

Liberal Arts colleges equip students with a diverse education. They do not focus on a specific academic field.

Humanities, math, and art are common subjects.

These universities do not train students for a single vocation. They give students different abilities that allow them to find many job opportunities.

However, liberal arts education does not concentrate solely on the humanities.

Yes, humanities is an important part of the liberal arts curriculum. But, most liberal arts universities also offer degrees in chemistry and music.

What is a community college?

Community colleges are two-year institutions that generally award associate degrees and certificates.

These schools are noted for their low tuition, small class sizes, and personalized learning environments.

Many students finish their general education requirements at a community college before transferring to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Many community schools have nationally recognized accreditation and program routes to help students transition from college to university.

What should I know about colleges within universities?

Large universities usually separate different programs of study into college subsections. Some undergraduate schools are housed within a bigger institution.

So, students are required to apply to a specific college for the program they intend to pursue, such as nursing.

This is due to specialized curriculum. Moreover, colleges within universities develop a deeper sense of academic community among individuals studying similar courses.

What are some pros and cons of going to a university instead of a college?

Here are some pros of going to a university instead of a college:

There are more professional opportunities that become available to students who pursue a graduate or bachelor’s degree.
Keep in mind that universities have diverse campuses. So people can meet and work with students, and staff from all racial backgrounds.
The professors who teach all university classes are experienced. This gives students a greater learning advantage.

And here are some cons:

The larger the class, the harder it is to stay focused. It is the same with university professors in a sense. Large class sizes pressure professors to focus less on the actual teaching of courses. Instead, they put more emphasis on research.
Unfortunately, students who attend university must rent their own apartment or pay for room and board.
The cost of going to universities is no joke. Yes, it’s more expensive than college. There’s also always the risk of entering into debt because of the immense student loans.

What are some pros and cons of attending a college instead of a university?

Here are some pros of choosing a college instead of a university:

Some students learn better when they have the attention of their professor. The small class sizes in college enable professors to provide more one-on-one instruction and help.
Colleges focus more on undergraduate education and less on research endeavors. So it’s easier for students to stay on track of their academic goals.
Most college tuition costs way less than the tuition price for university. Thus, college is a more affordable option if a person has no access to scholarships or financial aid.
Since college does not take as long to complete compared to university, students have time to figure out whether they want to pursue a further degree.

Here are cons of going to a college instead of a university:

Unfortunately, the curriculum at most colleges is restricted. This means that there are not as many courses and activities for students to take.
Many colleges lack diversity. Because of this, there are challenges with student involvement in college lectures.
Some colleges like liberal arts colleges provide less financial help. They may be even more expensive than large universities. Less financial help means limited class resources. Thus, the financial burden can fall onto the student.