Founded in 1927 and led by President Renu Khator, the University of Houston has evolved into the city’s premier public research institution and the third-largest public university in Texas. Nationally, UH is competitive in rankings, driven by a commitment to academic rigor and student success. The University is recognized as a Tier One institution by the Carnegie Foundation for its high level of research activity.

The physical heart of the University is an expansive, nearly 670-acre campus nestled within a sprawling global metropolis. The campus serves as an urban oasis, featuring walkable green spaces, world-renowned public art installations and the iconic fountains that contribute to the "Cougar" experience. Beyond the flagship campus, UH extends its reach at campuses in Sugar Land, Katy and the UH Technology Bridge, ensuring higher education is accessible across the Greater Houston area.

Situated in the fourth-largest city in the U.S., UH students enjoy a distinct professional advantage. The University leverages its location to provide unprecedented access to internships and collaborative research with global industry leaders and premier health care centers.

The University’s influence on the local community is profound. Through successful community involvement and student service, UH achieved the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. Additionally, the University serves as a vital pipeline for the region’s workforce and innovation.

Academic Powerhouse and Social Mobility

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, UH is a destination for scholars from every walk of life. In Fall 2025, enrollment surpassed 48,950 students across 289 undergraduate and graduate programs.

The University is a champion of the "student-first" model:

• Residential Life: Approximately 8,400 students reside within nine on-campus communities.
• Student Success: UH awards more than 11,000 degrees annually, boasting a global network of more than 349,855 alumni.
• Long-term Value: In-state undergraduate tuition remains affordable, reinforcing the University's mission of transforming lives and communities through education.
• Social Mobility: Reflecting its commitment to transforming lives, UH is ranked No. 40 nationwide for social mobility (2025 U.S. News & World Report).

A Culture of Discovery

UH values undergraduate research not just as an academic requirement, but as an essential career skill. Through a senior honors thesis program, summer fellowships and undergraduate research scholarships, students are encouraged to innovate early.

This culture of excellence is reflected in UH’s top-tier programs:

• Entrepreneurship: The C. T. Bauer College of Business hosts the No. 1 ranked undergraduate entrepreneurship program, a title it has held among the top three nationally for nearly a decade.
• Law: The UH Law Center consistently ranks in the top tier of legal education.
• Faculty Pedigree: UH’s 2,600+ faculty members include exceptional industry leaders who are acclaimed by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Inventors, as well as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Leading Innovation in Energy and Health

As a Tier One research institution, UH is at the forefront of global challenges. In 2025, its research expenditures exceeded $275.9 million. The University is home to 13 national research centers and 28 university-led institutes, with an impressive record in intellectual property — generating over $60 million in annual licensing income.

Campus Spirit and Global Reach

With students from nearly 130 nations, UH is a truly global university. Campus life is anchored by more than 500 student organizations and a prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society chapter.

In athletics, UH is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. The University supports 17 NCAA Division I teams, which have collectively earned 72 NCAA individual championships and 20 Olympic gold medals. This Cougar spirit is carried forward by notable alumni, including:

• Carl Lewis (Olympian)
• Brené Brown (Author and Lecturer)
• Jericho Brown (Pulitzer Prize-winning Poet)
• Tilman J. Fertitta (Businessman and former Chairman of the UH System Board of Regents)

Additional Campus Locations

• UH Sugar Land Campus: Located at US-59/69 and University Blvd, this campus offers specialized from the UH Colleges of Nursing, Engineering – Division of Technology, Education, Social Work, Business and Liberal Arts & Social Sciences.
• UH Katy Campus: Situated near the Grand Parkway and I-10, this location focuses on high-demand fields through the Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing and the Cullen College of Engineering.
• UH Technology Bridge: A 75-acre innovation ecosystem on the Gulf Freeway, featuring an Innovation Center and Incubator Labs designed to scale research-based startups.