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 gives you a solid financial return with low downside risk. You pay under $14,000 a year, walk out with median debt near $18,000, and earn a median of $62,377 a decade later. That debt-to-earnings ratio is comfortable, and a 64.9% grad rate paired with an 86% retention rate means most people who start actually finish and start paying it off.
The engineering programs are where this school pays off hardest. Electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering all clear $71,000, and Houston's energy and industrial economy is the reason those numbers hold up locally. Nursing lands close behind at nearly $69,000, backed by the Texas Medical Center in the same city. These four fields turn a mid-teens debt load into a fast payback.
The risk here is the gap between programs. The median earnings sit well below the engineering figures, which tells you plenty of majors here land nowhere near $70,000. UH does not list bachelor-level earnings outside engineering and nursing, so if you enroll in a liberal arts or general studies track, you are taking on the same $14,000-a-year cost without any published salary signal that it pays back. Check the specific program before you commit.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families and squeeze middle-to-upper ones. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $10,300 to $10,700. Cross $75,000 and the price jumps to roughly $19,500, then near $23,000 above $110,000 , more than double the bottom tier. UH is a strong buy if you qualify for the lower brackets or you are heading into engineering or nursing. If you are paying the top-tier price for an undecided or low-earning major, the math gets much thinner.
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.