About University of Houston
The money picture looks good for most families. Students pay an average net price of $13,853 after aid, which drops to just $10,327 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $62,377 ten years after graduation, while typical debt sits at $18,194. That means most students can reasonably pay back their loans with a monthly payment of $193.
This is a commuter-heavy school where 96% of students come from Texas, creating a distinctly local feel in America's fourth-largest city. The student body is majority Hispanic (38%) and Asian (24%), reflecting Houston's diversity. As a Big 12 member, the Cougars compete in major college sports, though athletics takes a backseat to academics for most students here.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.9%
- Retention Rate
- 86.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,377
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $122,038 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,138 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $95,549 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $92,809 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $92,563 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Master | $82,440 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $74,200 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,530 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $71,957 |
Campus Life
Houston's year-round heat means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats. Students often hang out in the air-conditioned student center or head to nearby areas like Midtown and downtown Houston for internships and entertainment. The Big 12 athletics bring school spirit, especially during football season at TDECU Stadium. Many students work part-time jobs around the city while taking classes. Weekend plans often involve exploring Houston's massive food scene, from food trucks to strong restaurants, or catching professional sports games for the Astros, Rockets, or Texans.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 8,397 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1927
Campus Safety (2023)
344 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 94 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 57 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 23 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 29 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 15 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 13 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–62°F
- July Avg
- 76°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.1%
- Women
- 52.0%
- White
- 17.2%
- Black
- 11.4%
- Hispanic
- 37.5%
- Asian
- 23.8%
- In-State Students
- 95.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.9%
Location
- Address
- Houston, Texas 77204-2018
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,377
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,161
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $193/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,194
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Houston?
University of Houston accepts 66.24% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a major research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1330 on the SAT. This accessibility reflects the university's mission as a public institution serving the diverse Houston metropolitan area.
How much does University of Houston cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Houston is $13,853 after aid, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,327. Graduates typically leave with $18,194 in debt and monthly loan payments of $193. The university keeps costs manageable while serving a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients at 40.89%.
What academic programs is University of Houston known for?
University of Houston operates as a major public research university with 37,175 students and particularly strong programs in engineering, business, and energy research. The student-faculty ratio of 21:1 reflects its size as a comprehensive research institution. The university leverages Houston's position as an energy capital to offer modern research opportunities.
What are the career outcomes for University of Houston graduates?
University of Houston graduates earn a median salary of $62,377 ten years after graduation, with a 93.6% employment rate. The 64.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face at this urban commuter campus. The university's location in America's fourth-largest city provides extensive internship and job opportunities.
Where do students live at University of Houston?
University of Houston houses 8,397 students on campus, though 95.77% of the student body comes from in-state. Room and board costs $10,830 annually for those living on campus. The urban setting in Houston provides off-campus housing options, and many students commute from the surrounding metropolitan area.
How diverse is University of Houston's student body?
University of Houston serves one of the most diverse student populations in the country, with Hispanic students comprising 37.52%, Asian students 23.81%, and Black students 11.42%. White students represent just 17.24% of enrollment, making this a true minority-majority institution. This diversity reflects Houston's status as one of America's most multicultural cities.
