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 gives you a moderate financial return with real risk attached. You'd carry a low median debt of under $19,000 against median earnings north of $50,000, which is a workable ratio. The problem is the graduation rate: only about a third of students finish, and one in three doesn't return after freshman year. If you take on debt and leave without a degree, that math falls apart fast.
The payoff depends heavily on your major. Computer Engineering Technologies leads at nearly $70,000, and Computer and Information Sciences delivers close to $57,000 while keeping debt under $16,000 , that's the best cost-to-earnings combination here. Business Administration sits lower around $50,000 with higher debt. Watch Quality Control and Safety Technologies: it pays under $59,000 but comes with over $34,000 in debt, the worst debt load on this list. Houston's energy, tech, and industrial economy supports these engineering-technology and computing fields, so the earnings are grounded in local demand.
The biggest financial risk is not the price , it's not finishing. With a 67% retention rate, the odds of walking away with debt and no credential are higher than at most four-year schools.
If your family earns under $48,000, you'll pay under $14,000 a year, and combined with low borrowing that makes UHD affordable. Above $110,000, the net price climbs to over $22,000, and the return gets thinner unless you land in computing or engineering technology.
This school fits you if you're targeting a computing or engineering-technology degree and can commit to finishing. If you're unsure of your major or your ability to graduate on time, the low sticker price won't protect you from the risk of leaving with debt and nothing to show.
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.