At $14,623/yr net price, University of Houston-Downtown graduates earn $53,551/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,551/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,623 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,551/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,551/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,486/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,911/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,332/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,673/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,498/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $71,015 | $40,760 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,990 | $41,000 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $34,208 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $15,830 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $52,941 | $34,792 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,082 | $21,875 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $50,022 | $18,750 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $49,683 |
The Risk Factor
33.8% of students at University of Houston-Downtown graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of Houston-Downtown delivers mixed financial returns, with strong performance in specific career-focused programs but concerning overall graduation rates that undermine your investment.
Criminal Justice graduates earn $71,015 annually, making it the school's strongest financial bet despite higher debt loads around $40,760. Business Administration and Computer Engineering Technologies also perform well, with graduates earning in the mid-to-upper $60,000s. Computer Science offers the best debt-to-income ratio at $57,318 in earnings with just $15,830 in typical debt.
The major red flag is the 33.8% graduation rate. If you don't finish your degree, you get no return on your investment while still carrying debt. The 67% retention rate suggests many students struggle after their first year.
Your best financial strategy here focuses on the high-performing programs listed above, particularly if you can minimize borrowing. The $14,623 net price is reasonable for Texas residents, but only if you actually graduate. Avoid programs not represented in the earnings data, as they likely produce weaker job market outcomes.
This school works financially for motivated students who can handle the academic challenges and want career-specific training in business, technology, or criminal justice. The Houston job market supports these graduates well. However, if you need extensive academic support or prefer a more traditional college experience, you should consider schools with higher retention rates. Your success here depends heavily on your ability to stay enrolled and complete your degree in one of the stronger programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Houston-Downtown worth the cost?
University of Houston-Downtown offers decent value with a low net price of $14,623 annually and modest debt levels around $18,750. However, the 34% graduation rate is concerning and may affect your ability to complete your degree and see returns on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Houston-Downtown?
Criminal Justice ($71,015) and Computer Engineering Technologies ($69,338) offer the best earnings potential at University of Houston-Downtown. Business Administration pays around $65,000, which is solid given the school's affordable tuition.
How much debt do University of Houston-Downtown graduates have?
University of Houston-Downtown graduates typically leave with $18,750 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the job market like for University of Houston-Downtown graduates?
University of Houston-Downtown graduates earn an average of $53,551 after 10 years, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of the degree. The Houston job market provides opportunities, especially in business and technology fields where the school has stronger programs.