top of the line
The University of Houston has the fourth best graduate engineering school in Texas.
Nine prestigious Houston universities have climbed through the ranks in U.S. News & World Report’s recently released report of the best graduate schools nationwide for 2025. Several graduate programs also appeared among the top 10 in a Texas-wide comparison.
U.S. News published its annual national "Best Graduate Schools" rankings on April 8. They look at several programs including business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, and many others.
For the 2025 report, the publication added new Ph.D. social sciences and humanities program rankings in English, history, political science and sociology for the first time since 2021. U.S. News also ranked graduate economics and psychology programs in the social sciences and the humanities for the first time since 2022.
Among the newcomers are Houston Christian University and Texas Southern University.
Here's how the nine local schools ranked, statewide and nationally, and how they compared with last year's national ranking:
Rice University
WEATHER WATCH
An annual meteorological phenomenon has blown in to make Houston's sunsets a little more spectacular. A huge Sahara Desert dust cloud made its way to the Houston area on June 29, bringing hazy skies. The bad news is that air quality might worsen; the good news is that locals can expect a week of Technicolor twilights.
According to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the dust is caused by the 2.5-mile-thick Saharan Air Layer, which is associated with “warmth, dryness, and strong winds.” That has strong effects on weather patterns, including lessening the intensity of cyclones. ABC13 meteorologist Travis Herzog shared an image of the dust cloud on Threads.
But Saharan dust can also wreak havoc on health. The fine particulate matter can trigger symptoms for locals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Those sensitive to atmospheric irritation may experience sneezing, coughing, a scratchy throat, or shortness of breath. Some studies have even linked it with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that people with underlying conditions stay indoors during dust storms. The vibrant red, orange, and yellow skies can still be enjoyed with the comfort of air conditioning.
The blast of cold air will be welcome to everyone as the Sahara dust can also cause some of the hottest days of the year. NOAA says that is because the thick cloud can stifle cooling afternoon thunderstorms.
Still, Houstonians might want to step outside to snap a pic of the breathtaking skies. The vivid dusks and dawns are caused by the sun’s rays scattering the dust particles in the atmosphere. Sunrises and sunsets typically take on warmer hues as low-angle sunlight passes through the atmosphere, but the dust particles enhance the striking effect.
National Weather Service forecasts say that this year’s cloud will only bring light concentrations with no major impacts on visibility. The phenomenon is expected to dissipate by the end of the week.
