University of Houston-Clear Lake continues to rise in U.S. News & World Report rankings
UHCL ranks #12 among top public schools in Texas and jumps 66 places in National Social Mobility rankings
In its second year being ranked among national universities, University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) continues to make impressive strides in the list of the 2024 Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. UHCL climbed to No. 12 in the "Top Public Schools” among public Texas universities, while also rising 27 positions to No. 304 among all national universities. Additionally, UHCL moved to No. 162 within “Top Public Schools” on a national scale.
“Being ranked 12th among the Top Public Schools in Texas is not just a point of pride, it's a validation of our strategic plan and the extraordinary commitment of our faculty and staff. At the core of all our planning and hard work is the success of our students,” said UHCL President Richard Walker. “This ranking clearly demonstrates that our collective efforts are not only impactful but invaluable in providing the best educational experience for those we serve.”
ADVANCING IN SOCIAL MOBILITY
Further accentuating its commitment to student success and upward mobility, UHCL has made a significant leap in the "Top Performer for Social Mobility” rankings, moving up 66 spots to No. 143 among national universities.
Social mobility is evaluated by examining the effectiveness of schools in graduating students who have been awarded Pell Grants—usually provided to individuals from households with annual incomes under $50,000. The ranking is based on two primary metrics: the graduation rates of Pell Grant recipients and the performance of these graduates.
“Our rise to 143rd in ‘Social Mobility’ underscores our unwavering commitment to student success,” Walker continued. “By prioritizing affordability and access, along with robust support services, we're ensuring that our students not only enroll but also graduate. This ranking serves as a testament that our student-focused approach is both effective and life-changing."
As a designated Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institution, UHCL is home to more than 3,500 first-generation college students. A considerable number of these students are supported by federal Pell Grants, which play a crucial role in helping them stay enrolled, graduate, and develop the skills necessary for successful professional careers.
MORE SUCCESSES FOR UHCL
Several UHCL programs also earned distinctions in this year's rankings, showcasing the university's strengths across multiple disciplines:
· Business Programs
· Computer Science Program
· Psychology Program
· Undergraduate Engineering Program (no doctorate)
Beyond these program-specific achievements, UHCL was also recognized for Campus Ethnic Diversity and Least Debt for the second year in a row, further demonstrating the university's dedication to all the communities it serves and its commitment to affordable education.
The recent recognition is a testament to the effective strategies implemented at UHCL.
“Our elevation in this year's rankings is an affirmation of our concerted efforts and strategic initiatives,” Walker said. “These rankings serve as both a confirmation of our hard work and a motivator for what we can and will achieve in the future.”
U.S. News evaluated nearly 1,500 four-year bachelor's degree-granting U.S. institutions on as many as 19 measures for its 39th Best Colleges Rankings.
Visit www.usnews.com/best-colleges to view the full list of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings.