Rice University is a small school with the distinction of being one of the best teaching and research universities in the country. The small size allows for a low student-to-faculty ratio of 5-to-1. The faculty is considered to be world-class in natural sciences, humanities, engineering, and social sciences. In 2009, the student body was made up of 3,279 undergraduates and 2,277 graduate students. Rice is selective in their choice of students in the admission process with the top 25% of entering freshmen in 2009 scoring 1500 on SAT. Tuition fees are based on undergraduate and graduate majors.
Texas Southern University was originally named Texas State University for Negroes in 1947. It was the first state-supported university in Houston. This university is home to more than 9,500 students and a staff and faculty of 1,500. The faculty and students represent almost every state in the United States, as well as more than 50 other nations including Africa, China, Mexico, South Asia and Central America. The only urban planning degree offered in the area is offered at TSU. One of the newest programs offered here is a degree in entertainment management. The main campus covers more than 150 acres of land. Tuition rates for 2010-2011 academic year vary with the chosen major.
Houston Baptist University opened in 1963 and offers a four-year program with more than 50 undergraduate majors from which to choose. The low student-to-faculty ratio provides the students with more individualized instruction. Graduate programs are offered in business, psychology, liberal arts and education. The university offers students the opportunity to participate in many different sports including men's and women's basketball, baseball, soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field, cross country and golf. HBU is a competing member of the Great West Conference. The school is located in Houston near the Southwest Freeway. Competitive tuition rates and fees are dependent upon the student's chosen major.
The University of Houston educates more than 37,000 students per academic year. With more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs offered, the students have a broad range of majors from which to choose. UH is the leading research university in Houston with over 40 research centers on campus and in every academic department. The faculty boasts renowned scholars who work closely with each student sharing real-life experiences. Students attend UH from more than 137 nations and from almost every state in the United States. Tuition fees vary with majors.