At $13,853/yr net price, University of Houston graduates earn $62,377/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,377/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,853 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,412 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,377/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,377/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,194 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,327/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,690/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,613/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,459/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,969/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $122,038 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,138 | $127,984 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $95,549 | $164,167 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $92,809 | $46,405 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $92,563 | $41,000 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $22,625 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $74,200 | $86,372 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,530 | $20,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $71,957 | $21,525 |
The Risk Factor
64.9% of students at University of Houston graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Houston delivers strong financial returns across business and health programs, making it one of Texas's better public university investments. The $13,853 annual net price positions you well for solid career earnings without crushing debt loads.
Finance majors earn $122,038 annually while pharmacy graduates pull in $120,138, though pharmacy students face $127,984 in debt that requires careful planning. Business administration and educational administration both clear $92,000 annually with manageable debt levels under $47,000. These programs benefit directly from Houston's energy, medical, and business sectors.
Optometry presents a mixed picture with $95,549 earnings against $164,167 debt. The math works if you secure residency positions, but the debt load creates real risk if career plans change.
You face geographic risk if you plan to leave Texas after graduation, as many UH programs align specifically with regional industries. The 65% graduation rate means one in three students never finish, creating potential debt without degree completion.
UH works best if you can live at home or find affordable housing, keeping total costs low while accessing strong local job networks. Business and health science majors get the best return on investment. Avoid programs without clear career paths in the Houston market, where your degree carries the most weight.
Merit aid reaches only 41% of students, so apply early and maintain strong grades to maximize scholarship opportunities. In-state residents get strong value, but out-of-state students should compare costs carefully against flagship options in their home states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Houston worth the cost compared to other Texas schools?
University of Houston offers solid value with a net price of $13,853 and 10-year median earnings of $62,377. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable, and graduates typically carry $18,194 in debt, which is manageable given the earning potential.
What are the best paying majors at University of Houston?
Finance graduates earn a median of $122,038 after 10 years, followed by pharmacy at $120,138 and optometry at $95,549. Business administration and educational administration also perform well, with median earnings above $92,000.
Does University of Houston have good financial aid?
The net price of $13,853 per year is relatively affordable for a public research university. However, only 64.9% of students graduate, so finishing your degree is critical to seeing returns on your investment.
Is University of Houston a risky investment for students?
The risk is moderate - while the low net price and reasonable debt levels are positives, the 65% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish. Students in high-paying programs like finance and pharmacy see strong returns, but other majors may struggle to justify the cost.