The University of Houston (UH) is a public research university located in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1927, UH is the third-largest university in Texas and is known for its strong research programs and diverse student body. UH offers more than 280 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, education, and the arts.
UH is home to over 46,000 students from all 50 states and 130 countries, making it one of the most diverse universities in the nation. The university has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and has been recognized for its efforts to promote a welcoming and inclusive campus culture.
UH is also known for its research programs, particularly in the fields of energy, health, and aerospace. The university is home to several research centers, including the Texas Center for Superconductivity, the National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping, and the Center for Advanced Computing and Data Science.
In addition to its academic and research programs, UH has a vibrant student life, with over 500 student organizations and clubs. The university is also home to a number of NCAA Division I athletic teams, known as the Houston Cougars, who compete in the American Athletic Conference.

University of Houston
What about the University of Houston interesting facts? Here are 30 interesting facts about the University of Houston.
- The University of Houston was founded in 1927 as Houston Junior College.
- In 1934, the college became the University of Houston and was the first public university in Houston.
- The University of Houston is the third-largest university in Texas and has an enrollment of over 47,000 students.
- The University of Houston is a Tier One research university and is classified as a Doctoral/Research University – Very High Research Activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
- The University of Houston offers over 250 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
- The University of Houston has 17 colleges and schools, including the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, the Cullen College of Engineering, and the Law Center.
- The University of Houston is home to the largest energy research center in the world, the UH Energy Research Park.
- The University of Houston is also home to the Texas Center for Superconductivity, which is one of the leading research centers in the world for the study of superconductivity.
- The University of Houston has produced three Pulitzer Prize winners.
- The University of Houston is home to the Blaffer Art Museum, which has a collection of over 7,000 works of art.
- The University of Houston is also home to the Moores School of Music, which has been ranked as one of the top music schools in the country.
- The University of Houston is a member of the American Athletic Conference and has 17 varsity sports teams.
- The University of Houston’s football team has won 11 conference championships and has appeared in 28 bowl games.
- The University of Houston’s men’s basketball team has made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances and has reached the Final Four three times.
- The University of Houston’s women’s basketball team has made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances.
- The University of Houston’s baseball team has made 23 NCAA Tournament appearances and has won two national championships.
- The University of Houston’s men’s golf team has won 16 conference championships and has made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances.
- The University of Houston has over 400 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural organizations, and recreational groups.
- The University of Houston has a diverse student body, with students from over 130 countries.
- The University of Houston has a 667-acre campus and over 50 buildings.
- The University of Houston has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized as a “Green Power Partner” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- The University of Houston has a strong alumni network, with over 276,000 alumni around the world.
- The University of Houston’s mascot is a cougar named Shasta.
- The University of Houston has been ranked as one of the top 100 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- The University of Houston has been ranked as one of the top 25 most ethnically diverse universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- The University of Houston has been designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education.
- The University of Houston has a strong commitment to community engagement and has been recognized as a “Community Engagement Institution” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
- The University of Houston has a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship and has been recognized as a “Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents” by the National Academy of Inventors.
- The University of Houston has a strong commitment to global engagement and has been recognized as a “Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents” by the National Academy of Inventors.
- The University of Houston’s faculty includes three Nobel laureates, three National Medal of Science winners, and one Pulitzer Prize winner.
The University of Houston is a dynamic and innovative institution that offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. With a commitment to research, sustainability, community engagement, and global outreach, the University of Houston is poised to continue its legacy of excellence and impact for generations to come. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a degree in the arts, sciences, business, or engineering, the University of Houston is a great place to explore your passions, build your skills, and make a difference in the world.