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University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX·Public·12,812 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. graduation rate is below 40%. 52% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

91%
Accept
12,812
Students
$14,623
Net Price
34%
Grad Rate
$49,300
Earnings
10 yr
$13,750
Debt

About This School

University of Houston-Downtown is a public institution located in Houston, Texas with approximately 12,812 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Houston-Downtown has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 91%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,623 per year. The graduation rate is 34%, and the typical graduate earns $49,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Houston–Downtown (UHD) is a public university in Houston, Texas, United States. Established in 1974 as University of Houston–Downtown College (UH–DC), it has a campus that spans 40 acres (0.16 km2) in Downtown Houston with a satellite location, UHD–Northwest, inside Lone Star College–University Park. The university is one of three institutions in the University of Houston System.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 34% graduation rate is a real concern, meaning most students who start don't finish — and the 67% freshman retention rate suggests many leave after the first year alone. That said, if you do complete your degree, the affordable net price of around $14,600/year and relatively low median debt of $13,750 make it a financially accessible option, and the downtown Houston location puts you in the middle of a major job market. Worth considering if cost is your primary driver and you have a clear plan to stay on track, but students who need strong academic support structures or a traditional campus experience may want to weigh other options carefully.

Founded
1974
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing36%
Psychology8%
Education4%
Computer Science3%
Biological Sciences3%
Communications3%
Health Professions3%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Diana López

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1041
Reading 75th %ile560
Math 75th %ile550

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,708
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,788
Avg Net Price
$14,623
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants52%
Median debt at graduation$13,750

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$23,017

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
34%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
67%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$42,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.6x

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

White11%
Black17%
Hispanic/Latino59%
Asian8%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (12,812 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Houston-Downtown

1 Main Street

Houston, TX 77002-1014

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

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.

Official School Resources
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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