At $11,056/yr net price, University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates earn $59,004/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,004/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,056 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,224 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,004/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,004/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,831 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,818/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,760/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,994/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,555/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,367/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $103,078 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,343 | $25,790 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $78,343 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $64,493 | $31,778 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,814 | $15,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,128 | $27,020 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,666 | $24,023 |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Communications Technology/Technician. | Master | $56,415 |
The Risk Factor
50.9% of students at University of Houston-Clear Lake graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Houston-Clear Lake delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with a low net price that keeps debt manageable and strong earnings in key programs. The school's location in Houston's energy corridor creates strong opportunities for engineering and business majors.
Engineering-related fields stand out with six-figure median earnings, making this program one of the best values in Texas public education. Business administration graduates earn nearly $80,000 annually with reasonable debt loads around $26,000. Computer engineering also performs well, with graduates earning over $61,000 while carrying just $15,500 in debt.
Health administration presents a financial risk despite decent earnings potential. Graduates in this field carry $32,000 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that requires careful consideration. The 50% graduation rate also signals completion challenges you should factor into your decision.
Your financial aid prospects depend heavily on demonstrating need, as less than half of students receive assistance. Merit scholarships exist but remain limited compared to flagship universities. The school works best for students who can complete their degree efficiently and tap into Houston's strong job market in energy, healthcare, and technology.
UHCL makes financial sense if you plan to study engineering, business, or computer science and intend to work in the greater Houston area after graduation. The combination of low costs, manageable debt, and strong regional employer connections creates favorable ROI conditions. Students seeking liberal arts programs or planning to leave Texas after graduation should examine other options more carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Houston-Clear Lake worth the cost?
UH-Clear Lake offers solid value with a low net price of $11,056 and median debt of just $17,831. Engineering graduates earn over $100,000 annually, making it worthwhile for STEM fields, though the 51% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Houston-Clear Lake?
Engineering-related fields lead at $103,078 annually, followed by business administration at $78,343. These programs offer strong ROI given the school's low cost, while other majors may struggle to justify the investment.
How much debt do University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates have?
Median debt is $17,831, which is manageable compared to national averages. With 10-year earnings of $59,004, most graduates can handle this debt load, especially those in engineering or business programs.
Does University of Houston-Clear Lake have good job placement?
The 51% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. However, those who do graduate and enter high-demand fields like engineering see strong employment prospects in the Houston job market.