2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in the Houston Area

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,106 reviews

Junior: I came into Rice as a transfer student this past semester. I'm happy to say I've found a place where I feel completely welcomed and appreciated. This is where I was meant to be. I am academically challenged and my curiosity is constantly mirrored in my classmates/friends. The conversations are fun and the people are genuine. Don't think that you can't apply because of how competitive it looks. They really practice the holistic approach and if you bring your unique story, passion, and perspective you have a shot. I didn't have perfect test scores, but I had a great work ethic and passion for what I do. If you want a home away from home- highly recommend!... Read 1,106 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,521

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  6,614 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience with the University of Houston has been vey wonderful. The staff at the student center are very helpful. One time one of the staff members walked me all the way to the building where my class is being held at. The professors at the University of Houston are very helpful as well, considering that they have 50-100 students in their class. The University of Houston made me feel right at home the first time I showed up for orientation. One thing I would change about the University of Houston would be their parking permit. I believe the parking permits are a bit overpriced, considering that we pay a lot for tuition already, but other than that their are no complaints!... Read 6,614 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $14,339

• SAT range 1140-1330

• Pasadena, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1,946 reviews

Other: I think San Jacinto College is great! It's a helpful and cost-effective way to get your basics done and out of the way while not having to pay the considerably higher price tags that 4-year universities like to put on their introductory classes. The teachers and students I've met are all very nice, the campus isn't that bad looking and the fries in the student cafe are heavenly. My favorite parts are when the clubs or the school itself hold festivals and such. I've received a custom-made license plate, flowers, and even ice cream for free at them! Overall I'm very satisfied with my San Jac experience and would recommend it to anyone who may not want to pay the 4-year universities their high price for basics that can be done at San Jac.... Read 1,946 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,391

• SAT range —

• Alvin, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  388 reviews

Sophomore: I liked being in ACC. They give a lot of merit-based scholarships. The campus student life is more like a small town. (You will encounter people you’ve met before in your classes again in other classes. That way you can develop friends easily and have some commonality. Most people are generally very friendly. ACC offers tutoring services and writing help for those who need it (all for free of course). ACC also allows students to work at student jobs for about $10/h. A rare thing that this campus has is a child lab center for students to drop off their kids while they are attending school. Basically like a daycare and it’s just around the corner on campus!... Read 388 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,078

• SAT range —

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,469 reviews

Freshman: When first enrolling, I thought the campus was huge! But after going through the tour, and learning about the information on each floor and room, I really started to see how the campus was just right. Not overly huge, but also not as small to mistakenly think of the university as a community college. I also mistakenly thought how I would go through my 4 years of college experience without any friends, but I am glad to state how my assumptions were proven wrong! Every professor I attended would assign their students to a group for the entire semester, so once mid-terms would come around the corner, I find myself having a good handful of friends in each class I attended from that assigned group. As for group, clubs, and others, the campus is always making sure that a student can connect with a team - so always expect an email or two regarding a list of clubs or groups that that campus think fits your personality/character/academic achievement and whatnot.... Read 1,469 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $13,460

• SAT range 920-1080

• Baytown, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  329 reviews

Sophomore: Lee College is a cheap and easy way to get a college education. For the price, you get a pretty good education. Professors are there to help you, they understand when situations occur and are willing to work with you. Email and keep in contact with your professors! It's a well known community college for a reason. The professors are good at what they do, some are less communicative or involved than others. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because some classes are very straightforward and don't need lots of involvement. Every professor I've had is willing to work with you, keeps in contact, and responds to emails within a day. The courses have the same rigor as other colleges and even some universities. I really recommend Lee to students who want to have affordable college that gets them the education they need.... Read 329 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,113

• SAT range —

• Galveston, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  192 reviews

Graduate Student: I was a student athlete at Galveston College and I attended college for two years at Galveston. I enjoyed it and living there was different from my hometown! Though Galveston may not be the safest and with Covid-19, the town would be very busy at times, it was still a great school. There was only softball and baseball at the college and the softball team did not have near as much as the baseball team did. Girl sports were very underrated and limited to many things. Athletes do live in new updated apartments that are nice and clean! The professors and staff at the college are welcoming and helpful of others. Galveston college is a great experience and has opening arms to all those who join.... Read 192 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,437

• SAT range —

• The Woodlands, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  4,372 reviews

Niche User: I have been taking dual credit classes at Lone Star College for two semesters now. I first took two classes in the summer of 2022 online and have been taking face-to-face classes since Fall 2022- Spring 2023. There are so many great things about this institution. The professors are very well educated and teach with great passion. All faculty are always kind and want the best for you; they are always willing to help you in anyway they can. At Lone Star College, the Student Life is filled with dozens of clubs to join, sports team, work-study programs, etc. They are always offering different scholarships and they offer many mental health services on campus that are free, beneficial and helpful to every student who reaches out. What sets LSC apart from other community colleges is how they are one of the few who offer bachelor degrees. Lone Star College is dedicated to ensuring that each student graduate with an Associates of Arts or Science debt free!... Read 4,372 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,036

• SAT range —

• Houston, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  3,579 reviews

Junior: Houston Community College is a good choice for starting an education into a career you are curious about. Starting with an Associate's allows you to dip your toes into a field that you've always been interested in, and can allow you to grow and explore new possibilities and careers. The overall student mindset is very similar, so you'll meet many students who want to explore various fields and careers. Overall, if you're interested in looking for a future career goal, but don't have the time or money to invest in a 4-year university, consider Houston Community College as a head-start!... Read 3,579 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,108

• SAT range —

• Houston, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Freshman: Perfect timeframe of course! Live classes online two days a week and the rest is do it yourself! If your juggling major life priorities, have kids, work or all 3 but still want to maintain your preferred degree , center of advanced legal studies is the best choice of any! They're communication is outstanding compared to other colleges and universities! They always respond in a convenient and timely manner. I honestly feel they have my best interest at heart and on mind when discussing my courses, my finances and my concerns as well as my questions. I give this school and their process and professionalism 5 stars!... Read 6 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,736

• SAT range —

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  526 reviews

Junior: This school is convenient and they help you so much. They have a lot of support and the enrollment process is super easy. The college is very comparable in tuition to other universities too. I highly recommend.... Read 526 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price $10,006

• SAT range —

• Houston, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  139 reviews

Niche User: First I was really overwhelmed with the huge building, yet sooner that feeling went away as I got comfrotable with the area. I appreciate the staff for being super friendly and thank you for how helpful you guys were answering my one billion questions. If you are more into hands on learning, then this should definitely be an college option for you! The facility offers labs, prep rooms, and surgery rooms for us students to practice and show what was learned in lectures. To top it off, the Vet Tech Institute makes sure needs are met - they're here to help before and after you graduate. One thing I wish was a shorter distance from where I live. HA, anyone would love to avoid the Houston traffic. I really should not complain, i'm lucky because they only have 4 other locations and those place's would be a plane trip away.... Read 139 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $13,331

• SAT range —