Since its founding in 1836, Houston, Texas has grown significantly in both size and prominence. With a population of over 2 million people, it is now the fourth most populous city in the United States. A diverse, vibrant city, Houston offers its residents a unique mix of affordability and opportunity. This combination contributes to its ranking in the top ten best places to live.

Despite tremendous growth, Houston's cost of living has remained very favorable. It offers the second lowest cost of living among major American cities and the most affordable housing of the ten most populated metropolitan areas.

Low cost of living makes Houston a desirable place to live, but the city's first-class attractions are what draw thousands in every day. From shopping to shows to sports, there's always something to do in Houston.

Spend the day (and some money, of course) at the world-renowned Galleria shopping center; explore a world of art, history, and nature in the Houston Museum District, the 4th largest museum district in the United States; or take in a show in The Houston Theater District, a 17-block area ranked second after New York City for the highest concentration of theater seats in a downtown area.

Sports enthusiasts fear not - you have a multitude of choices in Houston. The city boasts almost every major professional sports team including the Texans, Astros, and Rockets. If playing sports is more your style, warm winter temperatures mean Houstonians can enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

For many people, reasonable prices and lots to do make this city a great place to live and work, but what about going to school in Houston? Rebecca Flores, Manager, Education and Workforce for the Greater Houston Partnership, notes that Houston's mix of affordability and opportunity extends to its higher education options, making it a great place for students. “With a lower cost of living than other large cities, it is easier for students who come to this region to have a good quality of life. Students choosing to attend school here can take advantage of Houston's affordability while still experiencing the diversity of a large city,” says Flores.

She also points out that diversity in education is growing in importance. “Houston's diversity extends to the classroom, providing students with a broad view of the world. As the world continues to get smaller via technology, it's going to be increasingly important for students to have that understanding.”

With close ties to the business community, higher education institutions in Houston are also well equipped to prepare students to meet the current and future needs of industry. “Houston's higher education communities have been heavily involved in the city's economic development planning,” says Flores. “Many institutions have established partnerships with the business community – not only in the Houston area but internationally as well.”

With so much to offer, it's easy to see why over 280,000 students a year are already pursuing higher education options in Houston. In the 2002-2003 academic year alone, Houston's colleges, universities, and institutions granted over 54,000 degrees and certificates.

For students seeking a small, private school, Rice University is a notable option. High admissions standards, top-rated programs in multiple disciplines, and prominent faculty place this school among the nation's elite research universities. Rice ranked 17th in U.S. News and World Report: America's Best Colleges 2006, and despite a hefty price tag (over $32,000 per year), the 2003 Princeton Review College Guide ranked it as the #1 Best Value for a Quality Education

UHS and Rice are among the many traditional university options, but the Houston area also offers an abundance of choices for those seeking two-year, transfer, or workforce programs. The Houston community college system is committed to offering quality options for students seeking associates, certificate, or transfer programs. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has recognized this commitment by awarding exemplary status to 25 workforce programs in the Houston community college system.

From large to small schools, traditional to transfer programs, students seeking higher education opportunities can find it all in Houston. Below is a listing of the primary higher education institutions in the Houston area:

Private Colleges, Universities, and Institutes

• American InterContinental University - Houston
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Bradford School of Business
• DeVry University - Houston Galleria University Center
• DeVry University - Houston Campus
• DeVry University - Houston Graduate Center
• ITT Technical Institute - Houston North Campus
• ITT Technical Institute - Houston South Campus
• ITT Technical Institute - Houston West Campus
• Houston Baptist University
• Rice University
• Sanford-Brown Institute - Houston
• Sanford-Brown Institute - Northloop West (Houston)
• Texas Southern University
• The Art Institute of Houston
• University of Phoenix – Houston Campus
• University of St. Thomas
• Westwood College - Houston Campus

Public Colleges and Universities

• Alvin Community College*
• Blinn College*
• Brazosport College*
• College of the Mainland*
• Galveston College*
• Houston Community College System*
• Lee College*
• North Harris Montgomery College District*
• Prairie View A&M University
• Sam Houston State University
• San Jacinto College District*
• University of Houston
• University of Houston – Clear Lake
• University of Houston - Downtown
• University of Texas Health Science Center
• University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
• Wharton County Junior College*

*Community College

Find the Right Type of School – Of course there's the basic choices between public and private, big and small, but there is more to consider in choosing the type of school you should attend. From program focus to specializations offered, write down your interests then look for a school with strengths that match them.

To Commute or Not to Commute – Houston is a large city. If you're not planning to live on campus, how long it will take you to get to class is something you should consider.

Money – This may be your number one consideration, but make sure you don't rule out a school just for cost reasons. There are many aid and scholarship options to help you pay for school in Houston (see Financial Aid below).

Majors and Requirements – If you know what you want to study, make sure you choose a school that is strong in that area. If, like many students, you're not sure what you want to do, choose a school that will give you plenty of options.

Think Beyond Academics – Want to play a sport, study abroad, or star in the school play? Academics are an important factor, but make sure a school's extra-curricular activities and special programs also meet your needs.

Don't Ignore Your Feelings – If possible, visit the schools you are interested in and see how you feel. Even though a school may meet all your requirements, if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't the best place for you.

At public institutions, such as the University of Houston, residency status can make a big difference in cost. An undergraduate Texas resident attending the University of Houston will pay around $4,000 in tuition and fees plus an additional $5,000+ for room and board. A non-resident can expect to pay the same for room and board but will need to allot around $10,000 per year for tuition and fees. General residency requirements require a student to have resided and been employed in the state of Texas for 12 months prior to enrollment in a community college or university in Texas.

CollegeForTexans.com is a great state resource for students planning to attend school in Houston. A project of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the site provides comprehensive financial aid information including links to state, federal, private, and institutional grants and scholarships.

Most school financial aid offices have extensive information on assistance available from the state and local government, the school itself, and through various other resources.

According to Cheryl Matherly, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Career Services at Rice University, the job outlook in Houston is good and should continue to be good. “Houston is doing well economically, and a lot of that has to do with the effort the city has made to diversify the local economy,” says Matherly. “Of course, it is still very much an energy center, but there are many other fields that are developing including healthcare, biomedical, aerospace, and high-tech industries.”

No matter what the job market, Matherly points students to the career center at their school to help them plan for and get the job they want. “Career centers are uniquely positioned to help students through every step of the process – from making a decision on what they want to do, to developing the necessary skills and experience while in school, to helping them interview and network after graduation,” says Matherly. Her best advice on how to take advantage of a school's career services – start from day one. “The career center is not just for seniors who are ready to get a job. That's really the end point. A career center is meant to be a resource for students from the time they enter school to the time they graduate and beyond.”