Looking to learn English in Houston in 2025? Whether you’re a new immigrant, international student, or a working professional, Houston offers some of the best ESL classes in the U.S.—from free community programs to university-level intensive English courses. As one of America’s most diverse cities, Houston is a prime destination for English learners who want to improve their communication skills, apply for jobs, or prepare for college admissions.
In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll find a curated list of the top 9 ESL programs in Houston, including tuition fees, visa tips, class formats, and real student reviews—so you can confidently choose the right English school for your goals and budget.
Why Learn English in Houston?
- Brief intro: Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., making it a vibrant and practical place to improve your English.
- Benefits of studying in Houston (affordability, cultural diversity, job opportunities).
I chose Houston because it’s affordable and full of international students like me. I felt welcomed right away.
Diego, Colombia
Quick Comparison of the Best ESL Programs in Houston (2025)
Looking for a quick side-by-side comparison of top ESL programs in Houston? Here’s an expanded table with key info on tuition, program format, and highlights. We’ve also added program length, entry levels, and student support options to help you choose the right fit.
| School / Program | Tuition (per term) | Class Type | Levels Offered | Format | Program Length | Class Size | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College (HCC) | ~$1,900 | Intensive ESL | Beginner–Advanced | In-person | 6–8 weeks per term | Medium (~15–20) | Affordable, job-focused, flexible start dates |
| Rice University ESL | $2,700 | Academic English + TOEFL | Intermediate–Advanced | In-person | Semester-based | Small (~12) | Top-ranked university, strong academic prep |
| ELS Houston | $3,000 | Intensive + TOEFL Prep | Beginner–Advanced | In-person | 4-week cycles | Avg. 12–15 | On-campus housing, Level 112 satisfies entry for 600+ universities |
| Gulf Language School | $2,400 | Academic ESL | Beginner–Advanced | In-person | Custom terms | Varies | SEVP-certified, I-20 support, business English available |
| BEI – Language School | $2,000 | Business + Test Prep | Beginner–Advanced | In-person/Hybrid | Flexible | Small | Offers evening/weekend classes, IELTS & TOEFL prep |
| Lone Star College | $1,200 | Community ESL | Beginner–Intermediate | In-person/Online | Varies | Medium | Low tuition, online/hybrid options |
| The Learning Institute of Texas | $1,800 | ESL for Adults | Beginner–Intermediate | In-person | Flexible | Small | Flexible scheduling, adult-friendly |
| UH Language and Culture Center | ~$3,000 | Intensive ESL | 6 levels (Beg.–Adv.) | In-person | 7 or 14-week terms | Avg. 12–15 | High-level instructors, pathway to University of Houston admission |
| MAM Houston (Nonprofit) | $40 | Adult ESL | 6 levels (Found.–Adv.) | In-person | 10–12 weeks | Small groups | Very affordable, materials included, taught by trained volunteers |
| HCDE Adult Education | Free | ESL (various) | Beginner–Advanced | In-person | Ongoing | Varies | Free classes, community support |
| CityRise Church | Free | Community ESL | Beginner | In-person | Session-based | Small | Faith-based, friendly volunteer-run setting |
| Gethsemane Lutheran Church | Free | Basic ESL | Beginner | In-person | Flexible | Small | Volunteer-led, supportive environment |
Overview of ESL Options in Houston
Houston is home to a wide variety of ESL programs—from university-affiliated institutes to nonprofit and faith-based community programs. Here’s what makes each type of option unique:
University-Based Programs
- University of Houston Language and Culture Center (UH LCC): Offers 7- and 14-week intensive courses, 20 hours per week, small class sizes, and teachers with master’s degrees. Completing Level 6 may waive the need for TOEFL/IELTS when applying to UH or some graduate programs.
- Rice University ESL: Known for its academic rigor and small class sizes. Programs focus on academic writing, TOEFL prep, and business communication.
Private Language Schools
- ELS Houston: Offers 4-week intensive cycles and TOEFL prep. Completing Level 112 fulfills English entry requirements for over 600 colleges. Housing is available (e.g., $405/week for Homestay).
- BEI: Flexible hybrid and weekend options. Offers both TOEFL and IELTS prep, ideal for working professionals.
Community Colleges
- Houston Community College (HCC): Offers day/evening courses every 6–8 weeks. Emphasis on practical English for work. Courses available from beginner to advanced.
- Lone Star College: Provides affordable ESL with both in-person and online classes. Ideal for working adults or parents needing flexible schedules.
Nonprofit & Faith-Based Programs
- MAM Houston: Offers 12-week or 10-week terms with free learning materials, six skill levels, and small group learning. Only $40 per term.
- HCDE Adult Education: Free for eligible adults; no prior English level required.
- CityRise & Gethsemane Churches: Free beginner ESL classes in a supportive, community environment.
Student Support & Facilities
- ELS & UH LCC offer access to campus facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sometimes housing.
- MAM and church-based programs often include social services support or career guidance.
Reviews from Real Students – What Learners Say
Before you pick an ESL program in Houston, it’s important to hear directly from students who’ve been there. We gathered verified reviews from forums, school sites, and student testimonials to help you get a full picture—not just the brochures.
Houston Community College (HCC)
I started from zero. Now I can write emails at work, help my kids with homework, and I even passed the citizenship interview.
Fatima, Syria
💡 Why it works: Affordable, diverse classmates, and practical lessons for daily life and citizenship goals.
Rice University ESL Program
My teacher helped me rewrite my grad school application essays. I got into UT Austin!
Hiroshi, Japan
💡 Who it’s for: Students aiming for academic success in U.S. universities. Expect a fast pace and high standards.
ELS Language Centers
Every day I had to speak English. It was hard at first, but now I feel confident.
Camila, Brazil
💡 Best for: TOEFL, academic prep, and those who want to live near a university campus.
Gulf Language School
They helped me with my F-1 visa and later my university transfer. Great counselors.
Muhammad, Pakistan
💡 Perfect if: You need visa support and want to move on to higher education.
BEI Language School
After my day job, I took evening classes. The online option meant I didn’t miss out even if I worked overtime.
Minh, Vietnam
💡 Flexible pick: Ideal for working adults balancing learning and life.
Lone Star College ESL
I’m a single mom. Their online ESL let me learn while caring for my daughter.
Ana, Mexico
💡 Strong for: Affordability and work-life-learning balance.
The Learning Institute of Texas
We were just 6 people in class. My teacher even practiced my job interview with me.
Ahmed, Sudan
💡 Great for: Personalized support and job-related English skills.
CityRise Church ESL (Free)
It’s not just English. It’s a family. They helped me with language and job advice.
Jenny, Venezuela
💡 Free and friendly: A wonderful option if budget is tight and community matters.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church ESL (Free)
The volunteers helped me pronounce words better. I can now talk to my neighbors.
Luis, Honduras
💡 For beginners: Great place to start if you’re shy or new to the U.S.
How to Choose the Right ESL Program in Houston
Choosing the right ESL program in Houston depends on your goals, budget, availability, and immigration status. Here are key factors and real-world examples to help guide your decision:
1. Program Type and Class Schedule
Ask yourself: Do I want full-time intensive instruction or part-time flexible classes?
- UH Language and Culture Center (LCC) offers 14-week and 7-week full-time programs with 20 hours of in-person instruction per week.
- MAM (Memorial Assistance Ministries) runs 12-week sessions (Spring/Fall) or 10-week (Summer), focused on part-time learning.
- ELS Houston operates on 4-week intensive cycles with daily instruction.
2. Your Budget
Prices vary significantly, so determine how much you’re willing to invest.
- Free: HCDE Adult Education and churches like CityRise or Gethsemane.
- Low-cost: MAM Houston charges just $40 per term with free materials.
- Premium: UH LCC (~$3,000/session) and ELS Houston ($3,000+, plus weekly housing fees of $300–$405).
3. Student Visa Eligibility
If you’re an international student, check if the school is SEVP-certified.
- UH LCC, ELS Houston, Rice ESL, and Gulf Language School offer I-20s for student visas.
- MAM and community-based programs do not provide visa documentation.
4. Class Size and Teacher Credentials
Smaller classes often mean more personalized attention.
- UH LCC and ELS cap classes at around 12–15 students.
- UH instructors all hold at least a master’s degree, while MAM courses are taught by trained volunteers.
5. University Pathway Opportunities
Some programs help students meet college language requirements.
- Completing UH LCC Level 6 may exempt you from TOEFL/IELTS for admission to the University of Houston.
- Graduates of ELS Level 112 qualify for conditional admission to the University of St. Thomas and over 600 partner schools globally.
Tip: Always verify if the school is accredited and read real student reviews before applying.
Common Questions About ESL in Houston (FAQ)
Here’s a practical FAQ based on the most common concerns students have when searching for ESL classes in Houston:
Q1: How much do English classes in Houston cost?
Quick Answer: From free to over $3,000 per term.
Detailed Breakdown:
- Free: HCDE Adult Education, CityRise Church, Gethsemane Lutheran Church.
- Low-cost: MAM ($40/term, includes materials), ideal for immigrants or working adults.
- Mid-Range: Community colleges like HCC ($1,200–$1,900).
- High-End: University-based programs like Rice ($2,700) or ELS ($3,000+).
Q2: Can I get a student visa for these ESL courses?
Quick Answer: Yes, if the program is SEVP-certified.
Visa-Eligible Programs in Houston:
- UH Language and Culture Center
- ELS at University of St. Thomas
- Rice ESL
- Gulf Language School
💡 Action Step: Check if the school issues an I-20 before enrolling if you are not a U.S. resident.
Q3: Are there evening or weekend classes available?
Quick Answer: Yes—especially helpful if you work during the day.
Programs Offering Flexible Schedules:
- BEI: Evening and weekend classes.
- Lone Star College: Hybrid and some weekend sessions.
- HCC: Offers both daytime and evening classes starting every 6–8 weeks.
Q4: Where can I prepare for TOEFL or IELTS in Houston?
Quick Answer: UH LCC, Rice, ELS, and BEI.
Highlights:
- UH LCC: Offers TOEFL-aligned curriculum in higher levels.
- ELS: Known for TOEFL prep, especially speaking practice.
- BEI: Flexible test prep, including evening sessions.
Q5: Can I learn English in Houston for free?
Quick Answer: Absolutely. Free ESL programs are available for residents and immigrants.
Top Free ESL Providers:
- HCDE Adult Education
- CityRise Church
- Gethsemane Lutheran Church
- YMCA (varies by branch)
💡 Pro Tip: Free programs fill fast and often don’t include placement tests—expect mixed-level classes.
Q6: Are online or hybrid classes available?
Quick Answer: Yes. Many schools adapted their programs post-COVID.
Flexible Learning Options:
- Lone Star College: Virtual ESL.
- BEI: Offers hybrid and online learning.
- HCC: Some online formats available.
Final Thoughts
Houston offers a wide range of English learning options, whether you’re preparing for university, looking to advance at work, or simply want to feel more confident communicating every day. With this guide, you’re now ready to choose the best ESL program for your journey.
💬 Need help choosing a tutor or program? AmazingTalker also offers 1-on-1 online English lessons tailored to your needs, anytime, anywhere.
