About University of Houston-Clear Lake
The University of Houston-Clear Lake serves 6,082 students as an upper-level institution focused on juniors, seniors, and graduate students. This public university specializes in serving working adults and transfer students in the Clear Lake area near NASA Johnson Space Center. The school accepts 69% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1082. UHCL built its reputation around flexible scheduling and career-focused programs that accommodate students already in the workforce.
Students pay an average net price of $11,056 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at $7,746. Graduates earn a median salary of $59,004 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $17,831 manageable with monthly loan payments of $189. The 92.5% employment rate reflects the school's strong connections to Houston's aerospace and energy industries. Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students.
Women make up 62% of the student body, while Hispanic students represent the largest demographic at 50%. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors. With only 552 housing spots available, most students commute from the greater Houston area. The Hawks compete in athletics, though the focus remains on academics and professional preparation rather than campus traditions.
Students pay an average net price of $11,056 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at $7,746. Graduates earn a median salary of $59,004 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $17,831 manageable with monthly loan payments of $189. The 92.5% employment rate reflects the school's strong connections to Houston's aerospace and energy industries. Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students.
Women make up 62% of the student body, while Hispanic students represent the largest demographic at 50%. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors. With only 552 housing spots available, most students commute from the greater Houston area. The Hawks compete in athletics, though the focus remains on academics and professional preparation rather than campus traditions.
Academics & Faculty
University of Houston-Clear Lake serves as an upper-level institution focused on juniors, seniors, and graduate students, with nearly 99% of its 6,082 students coming from in-state. The university caters heavily to working adults and transfer students in the NASA corridor, offering evening and weekend classes that fit professional schedules. Students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, though the 51% four-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many enrollments. The school is particularly known for its engineering, business, and education programs that serve the aerospace and energy industries surrounding Houston's Clear Lake area. With 62% of students being women, the campus attracts many career-changers and professionals seeking advancement.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.9%
- Retention Rate
- 75.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,004
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $103,078 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,343 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $78,343 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $64,493 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,814 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,128 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,666 |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. | Master | $58,221 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $57,318 |
| Communications Technology/Technician. | Master | $56,415 |
Campus Life
UHCL sits just 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston, putting NASA Johnson Space Center practically next door. With only 552 beds for 6,082 students, just 9% can live on campus. Most students commute from the greater Houston area, creating a different active than traditional residential colleges.
The campus draws heavily from the local workforce, with 61.72% women reflecting the university's strength in education and health programs. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic (49.77%), mirroring the diverse Clear Lake community. Pack sunscreen, not sweaters, Houston's subtropical climate means 90-degree days stretch well into October, and winter rarely dips below freezing.
Weekends often revolve around internships at nearby NASA or the Texas Medical Center rather than campus parties. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes manageable, crucial since many students balance work with coursework. With 98.90% of students from Texas, the Hawks create a tight-knit regional community. The campus culture centers on professional development and networking rather than traditional college social life.
The campus draws heavily from the local workforce, with 61.72% women reflecting the university's strength in education and health programs. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic (49.77%), mirroring the diverse Clear Lake community. Pack sunscreen, not sweaters, Houston's subtropical climate means 90-degree days stretch well into October, and winter rarely dips below freezing.
Weekends often revolve around internships at nearby NASA or the Texas Medical Center rather than campus parties. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes manageable, crucial since many students balance work with coursework. With 98.90% of students from Texas, the Hawks create a tight-knit regional community. The campus culture centers on professional development and networking rather than traditional college social life.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 552 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
45 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 24 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–63°F
- July Avg
- 76°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 60.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
Nearly half the students are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse demographics of the greater Houston area. Women make up 62% of enrollment, typical for universities with strong programs in education, business, and health sciences. Almost 99% of students come from Texas, showing UHCL's role as a regional institution serving the Clear Lake community. Many students work while attending school, drawn to the university's focus on upper-level and graduate programs designed for career advancement. The 44% Pell Grant rate indicates the school serves many first-generation college students from working-class families.
- Men
- 38.3%
- Women
- 61.7%
- White
- 29.9%
- Black
- 6.6%
- Hispanic
- 49.8%
- Asian
- 7.6%
- In-State Students
- 98.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.8%
Location
The University of Houston-Clear Lake sits in the Clear Lake area of southeast Houston, Texas, about 25 miles from downtown Houston. The campus serves the Space City region near NASA's Johnson Space Center, drawing heavily from the local aerospace and technology workforce. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's role as a regional destination for working professionals. The Clear Lake area combines suburban neighborhoods with proximity to Galveston Bay and the Gulf Coast. This location attracts students seeking career advancement in STEM fields and business while maintaining connections to Houston's major employment centers. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare University of Houston-Clear Lake with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Houston, Texas 77058-1002
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,004
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,421
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $189/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,831
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Houston-Clear Lake?
University of Houston-Clear Lake accepts 69.37% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1082. The school primarily serves upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, including many transfer students and working adults in the NASA Clear Lake area.
How much does University of Houston-Clear Lake cost after financial aid?
Students at University of Houston-Clear Lake pay an average net price of $11,056 annually. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,818 after aid, while the monthly loan payment for graduates averages $189.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Houston-Clear Lake?
University of Houston-Clear Lake maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio with 6,082 total students. The university focuses on upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs designed for transfer students and working professionals.
What are the graduation rates at University of Houston-Clear Lake?
University of Houston-Clear Lake has a 52.28% four-year graduation rate and a 50.90% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $59,004 ten years after graduation, with a 92.5% employment rate.
Does University of Houston-Clear Lake have on-campus housing?
University of Houston-Clear Lake offers limited on-campus housing with a capacity of just 552 students out of 6,082 total enrollment. Most students commute from the greater Houston area, as 98.90% of students are Texas residents.
What makes University of Houston-Clear Lake unique compared to other universities?
University of Houston-Clear Lake is an upper-level institution that primarily serves junior, senior, and graduate students rather than freshmen and sophomores. Located near NASA Johnson Space Center, 61.72% of students are women and 49.77% are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse Clear Lake community.
