University of Houston
About University of Houston
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The University of Houston is a public research university in Houston, Texas. It is a Tier One research university with strong programs in engineering, business, law, and hospitality, and benefits from Houston's energy and medical industries.
Founded
1927
Location
Houston, Texas
Students
47,103
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
73.9%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
64.6%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$9,717
Out-of-state: $22,547
Avg Net Price
$14,276
After financial aid
SAT Average
1250
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$62,377
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
73.9 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
University of Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1250/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
64.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
87%
4-Year Grad
38%
6-Year Grad
62%
Teaching Quality
21:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
79.8%
$/Student
$9.9K
Class Size
Large
The 38% graduation rate is below average, but 87% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,717
In-State
$22,547
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,286
Books & Supplies
$1,430
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,185
After Financial Aid
$14,276
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,929
Receive Grants
41.7%
Take Loans
31.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,185/yr for in-state students, including $11,286 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,276. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,547.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Houston fund their education.
While in School
41.7%
Get Grants
Free money
31.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$33,197
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,194
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$193/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,194. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Houston.
Gender
52.1%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
38,380
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,723
Graduates
40.5%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
11.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 40.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 5.4% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
38,380
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Houston fields 10 varsity teams with 588 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Twelve
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
588
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
327
Men
261
Women
5
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Houstonearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,377
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$33K
693 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49K
531 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$54K
381 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$30K
368 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$72K
350 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$28K
346 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $53K at six years, $55K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Houston
What is the acceptance rate at University of Houston?▾
How much does University of Houston cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Houston?▾
How much do University of Houston graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.