University of Houston-Downtown vs Texas State University
Both universities offer accessible admission with nearly identical acceptance rates: UH-Downtown at 88.4% and Texas State at 87.7%. However, they differ significantly in scale and outcomes.
Cost and Value: UH-Downtown provides better affordability with in-state tuition of $7,708 compared to Texas State's $11,450. The average net price favors UH-Downtown at $14,623 versus $16,438. Graduates from UH-Downtown also carry less debt ($18,750 vs $21,000), though Texas State graduates earn slightly more after ten years ($56,906 vs $53,551).
Academic Environment: UH-Downtown offers smaller classes with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Texas State's 21:1. However, Texas State demonstrates stronger student success metrics with a 56.2% six-year graduation rate versus UH-Downtown's 33.8%. Texas State also retains 77.5% of first-year students compared to 67.4% at UH-Downtown.
Campus Experience: The universities provide contrasting experiences. UH-Downtown serves 12,812 students in an urban Houston setting, while Texas State accommodates 34,547 students in the college town of San Marcos. Texas State offers NCAA Division I athletics and traditional campus life, while UH-Downtown focuses on commuter-friendly urban education.
Academic Strengths: UH-Downtown emphasizes business, criminal justice, and urban studies. Texas State offers comprehensive programs including education, journalism, and health professions.
UH-Downtown suits budget-conscious students seeking affordable urban education with smaller classes, while Texas State appeals to students wanting a traditional college experience with stronger completion rates and campus activities.
Both universities offer accessible admission with nearly identical acceptance rates: UH-Downtown at 88.4% and Texas State at 87.7%. However, they differ significantly in scale and outcomes.
Cost and Value: UH-Downtown provides better affordability with in-state tuition of $7,708 compared to Texas State's $11,450. The average net price favors UH-Downtown at $14,623 versus $16,438. Graduates from UH-Downtown also carry less debt ($18,750 vs $21,000), though Texas State graduates earn slightly more after ten years ($56,906 vs $53,551).
Academic Environment: UH-Downtown offers smaller classes with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Texas State's 21:1. However, Texas State demonstrates stronger student success metrics with a 56.2% six-year graduation rate versus UH-Downtown's 33.8%. Texas State also retains 77.5% of first-year students compared to 67.4% at UH-Downtown.
Campus Experience: The universities provide contrasting experiences. UH-Downtown serves 12,812 students in an urban Houston setting, while Texas State accommodates 34,547 students in the college town of San Marcos. Texas State offers NCAA Division I athletics and traditional campus life, while UH-Downtown focuses on commuter-friendly urban education.
Academic Strengths: UH-Downtown emphasizes business, criminal justice, and urban studies. Texas State offers comprehensive programs including education, journalism, and health professions.
UH-Downtown suits budget-conscious students seeking affordable urban education with smaller classes, while Texas State appeals to students wanting a traditional college experience with stronger completion rates and campus activities.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Houston-Downtown | Texas State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 88.4% | 87.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,030 | 1,080 |
| Enrollment | 12,812 | 34,547 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,708 | $11,450 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,788 | $23,210 |
| Net Price | $14,623 | $16,438 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% | 56.2% |
| Retention Rate | 67.4% | 77.5% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $53,551 | $56,906 |
| Median Debt | $18,750 | $21,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Houston-Downtown | Texas State University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | $69,338 | Computer Science. | $72,274 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | $58,673 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $68,858 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $57,318 | Construction Engineering Technologies. | $67,660 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | $57,318 | Industrial Engineering. | $65,557 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,082 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $60,207 |