Higher Education

There are numerous opportunities to advance your education in and near Pasadena. As part of the Houston-metro region, we have local colleges and quick access to all the universities in Houston. These include law schools, graduate schools, and medical schools: University of Houston, UH-Downtown, Rice University, Texas Southern University, University of St. Thomas, U Health Science Center at Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Baptist University, South Texas College of Law.

Those wishing to earn college credits in their own neighborhood can easily remain within Pasadena and attend San Jacinto College or University of Houston at Clear Lake (Pasadena).  A state-of-the-art Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology Center (PETC) is under construction at San Jacinto College, further enhancing our area’s educational opportunities.

San Jacinto College 

Valuable, job-ready skills — the ones that move your life forward and link classroom to career — distinguish an education at San Jacinto College.

Our landmark setting near the storied Port of Houston gives San Jacinto College’s students unparalleled access to world-class academic partners.  We’re in the shadow of NASA’s spaceflight program, the world’s largest medical center and the nation’s busiest seaport for foreign trade.  San Jacinto scholars are a real catalyst for economic prosperity in Greater Houston. And our historic ties to industry giants enrich our acclaimed programs in such high-demand fields as science, engineering and health.

Today nearly 30,000 young men and women find their path at San Jacinto College.  They nurture their aspirations with faculty mentors who know real-world success and apply deep career expertise to more than 185 academic and technical programs.

Many San Jacinto students are creating a pipeline for seamless transfer pathways to four-year institutions.  Others participate in our renowned Continuing Education or workforce training programs to sharpen their skills and boost lifetime earning power.  

Whatever path you take, you’ll find a friendly, big-hearted community at San Jacinto College.   Our campuses are alive with free concerts, cookouts, social clubs, amazing theater and an extensive campus recreation program for all skill levels, all free.  

University of Houston-Clear Lake (Pasadena)

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is a student-centered, community-minded, partnership-oriented university that offers bachelor's, master's and selected doctoral programs to enhance the educational, economic, and cultural environment of the Houston-Galveston metropolitan region. UH-Clear Lake serves a diverse student body with special emphasis on undergraduate transfer, graduate and international students. The university offers the highest quality instruction and nationally accredited academic programs designed to develop the critical thinking, creative, quantitative, leadership and communication skills of students. The university conducts applied and basic research and engages in community and professional service that support both the economic development and the quality of life of the area. The university is committed to community engagement through partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

During the state's 2011 legislative session, University of Houston-Clear Lake received approval from the state for downward expansion, which allowed the upper-level university to add freshman- and sophomore-level courses to its roster. In fall 2014, UHCL welcomed its first freshmen and sophomores to campus which expanded their total enrollment to more than 8,600 students. 

Texas Chiropractic College

Texas Chiropractic College is a private chiropractic college located in Pasadena, Texas. Founded in 1908, it is the fourth oldest chiropractic college in the United States.

Other Educational Institutions located nearby:

  • University of Houston Main Campus
  • Rice University
  • Baylor College of Medicine
  • University of St. Thomas
  • Houston Baptist University
  • Texas Southern University
  • University of Texas Health Science Center
  • South Texas College of Law