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University of Houston

Houston, TX·Public·37,175 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want a major research university experience. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $60,600 within 10 years.

70%
Accept
37,175
Students
$13,853
Net Price
65%
Grad Rate
$60,600
Earnings
10 yr
$14,000
Debt

About This School

University of Houston is a public institution located in Houston, Texas with approximately 37,175 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Houston has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 70%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,853 per year. The graduation rate is 65%, and the typical graduate earns $60,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Houston is a public research university in Houston, Texas, United States. It was established in 1927 as Houston Junior College, a coeducational institution and one of multiple junior colleges formed in the first decades of the 20th century. In 1934, HJC was restructured as a four-year degree-granting institution and renamed University of Houston. In 1977, it became the founding member of the University of Houston System. Today, Houston is the fourth-largest university in Texas, awarding 11,773 degrees for the 2024-2025 academic year. As of 2024, it has a worldwide alumni base of 331,672.

Located in one of the country's most economically dynamic cities, this large public university offers a genuinely affordable path — median debt at graduation is just $14,000, and median earnings hit $60,600 a decade out, which is a solid return. The numbers tell a mixed story, though: a 65% graduation rate means a meaningful share of students don't finish, so it's worth asking honestly whether the support structure and your own plan are in place before enrolling. Strong fit for students who want access to Houston's energy, medical, and business industries at a price that won't bury them in debt.

Founded
1927
Setting
Large city
Mascot
Shasta

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing28%
Psychology9%
Computer Science8%
Engineering7%
Biological Sciences6%
Social Sciences6%
Health Professions6%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Lil WayneCarl LewisJim ParsonsKenny RogersElizabeth WarrenDennis QuaidHakeem OlajuwonLizzoBill HicksBrent SpinerRandy QuaidClyde Drexler

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1229
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,711
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,191
Avg Net Price
$13,853
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$14,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
65%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
86%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$60,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$47,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$60,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White17%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino38%
Asian24%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (37,175 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Houston

4302 University Drive, Room 212

Houston, TX 77204-2018

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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