fly high

Rice University named top college in U.S. News' new rankings for 2025

The home of the Rice Owls is on top once again.

Rice University

Houston's own "Ivy League of the South" has come out on top as one of the best universities in the nation for 2025, according to U.S. News and World Report's just-released list of the Best Colleges for 2025.

Rice University claimed No. 1 in Texas, and ranked No. 18 nationally in a one-spot slip from last year's ranking. The private institution has a 98 percent first-year retention rate, and an "actual" graduation rate of 96 percent. Rice costs $60,709 in tuition and fees for students each year, and according to the school's profile, it has an acceptance rate of eight percent.

In April, Rice's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business ranked No. 2 in U.S. News' ranking of the best graduate schools in Texas, with its entrepreneurship program tying for No. 8 nationally, and the part-time MBA program ranking No. 15 overall. Those rankings may change in the next few years once the school finishes its brand new facility for the business school.

Rice also fared similarly in Niche's list of best colleges, in which it ranked No. 15 nationally. Forbes ranked the university No. 9 nationwide in its list of best colleges for the 2024-2025 school year, and Rice was bestowed an "Ivy League" status in Forbes' recent report on top public and private schools that churn out top graduates.

“We are delighted to see Rice University recognized as one of America’s producers of great talent. Rice has been a recruiting destination for employers for many years and that is because Rice students are adaptable, curious, bright, and are solution oriented,” Nicole Van Den Heuvel, executive director of the Center for Career Development, says in a news release from Rice.

In a glowing review of the university, one former business student said studying at Rice was a "transformative experience."

"Rice is the perfect blend of rigorous academics, strong athletics, and a nurturing and engaging social life," the reviewer wrote. "It's quite idyllic. Rice is known as a STEM school, but it has distinguished programs in humanities, social sciences, music and architecture too. Professors are top scholars in their fields and will know you by name. Students are well prepared academically, but are also collaborative and supportive."

Right behind Rice in the rankings is The University of Texas at Austin, which ranked No. 2 in Texas and No. 30 nationally. Just behind UT Austin is College Station's Texas A&M University, which placed No. 3 in the Texas rankings and No. 51 nationally.

The University of Houston maintained its No. 8 rank in the statewide comparison, but fell 11 spots down into No. 144 in the national rankings.

The University of St. Thomas ranked No. 9 in Texas, and moved up seven places to rank No. 209 in the U.S. for 2025.

U.S. News' top 10 best colleges in Texas in 2025 are:

No. 1 – Rice University, Houston
No. 2 – University of Texas at Austin
No. 3 – Texas A&M University, College Station
No. 4 – Baylor University, Waco
No. 5 – Southern Methodist University, Dallas
No. 6 – Texas Christian University, Fort Worth
No. 7 – The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson
No. 8 – University of Houston
No. 9 – University of St. Thomas, Houston
No. 10 – Texas Tech University, Lubbock

The full rankings can be found on usnews.com.

rankings universities us news & world report rice university houston university of houston

houston holiday traditions

Houston star Lizzo to lead Thanksgiving parade, En Vogue for tree lighting

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Lizzo will serve as Grand Marshall for the Thanksgiving Day parade.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has shared plans for two of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions: the 77th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade and Deck the Hall: The Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Concert.

Scheduled to begin at 9 am on Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day), organizers have recruited Houston-born superstar Lizzo to serve as this year’s grand marshall. Houston native and current Miss America 2027 Regan Hutsell will join the celebration as a special guest.

“Welcoming Lizzo home as our Grand Marshal is a proud moment for Houston,” Mayor Whitmire said in a statement. “Her journey reflects the talent growing in our neighborhoods and communities. We look forward to gathering downtown this Thanksgiving to celebrate with our families and share this Houston tradition.”

A proud Alief Elsik High School alum and former student at the University of Houston, Lizzo made a splash earlier this year with a sold-out debut performance at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The Elsik marching band will join its distinguished alumnae at the parade.

This year’s parade will feature 15 floats and 10 giant balloons, including a 50-foot Popeye, a 50-foot Santa Elmo, and a 40-foot Cookie Monster, as well as returning favorites such as the 40-foot H-E-Buddy, the University of Houston-Downtown’s 40-foot Ed-U-Gator, and the 25-foot Howdy. Other performers include RaeLynn paying tribute to Dolly Parton, Christian recording artist Micah Tyler performing “Little Drummer Boy,” and the Apache Belles performing their signature kick line.

“The H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is a celebration of everything that makes Houston

extraordinary: community, tradition, and bringing people together,” said H-E-B executive Lisa Helfman. “From the students who march through downtown to the families who gather along the route each year, this tradition reflects the heart of our city. H-E-B is honored to help bring this celebration to life and excited to welcome Houston’s own Lizzo home for a memorable Thanksgiving with the community we’re privileged to serve.”

The parade is free to attend, but reserved seating is available for $30-39, depending on the section. Get more details at houstonthanksgivingparade.org.

The tree lighting ceremony and concert will take place on Saturday, December 5 from 4–9 pm at Hermann Square outside City Hall. Also free to attend, the concert will feature performances by En Vogue, MAJOR, and Jessica Sanchez.

“Deck the Hall brings Houstonians together to celebrate the season and the community we share,” said Mayor Whitmire. “This year, we’re giving families even more to enjoy with an expanded Winter Wonderland, outstanding performers and the lighting of our city’s holiday tree. I thank Reliant and all of our partners for helping us keep this holiday tradition free and welcoming to everyone.”

In addition to the concert, the event’s Winter Wonderland will feature carolers, school groups, and DJs. Attendees can also expect an ice luge, complimentary hot chocolate, free photos with Santa.

“There’s something special about seeing downtown Houston come alive for the holidays, and Reliant is proud to once again help bring this beloved tradition to our community,” said Reliant senior vice president Bill Clayton. “With great music, holiday lights, our fan-favorite blinking Santa hats and even more to enjoy this year, Deck the Hall gives Houstonians a fun, free way to celebrate the season together right in the heart of downtown.”

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Lizzo will serve as Grand Marshall for the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

holidays parades