When comparing University of Houston and Prairie View A&M University, several key differences emerge for prospective students.
Admission and Selectivity: University of Houston is moderately more selective with a 66% acceptance rate compared to Prairie View A&M's 76% acceptance rate. Both schools offer accessible admission pathways for Texas students.
Cost and Financial Value: University of Houston offers lower in-state tuition at $9,711 versus Prairie View A&M's $11,299. The average net prices are similar ($13,853 vs $14,041), but University of Houston graduates carry significantly less debt ($18,194 vs $27,000).
Academic Environment: Prairie View A&M provides a more intimate learning environment with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio compared to University of Houston's 21:1 ratio. However, University of Houston's larger size (37,175 students vs 8,527) offers more diverse academic programs and research opportunities.
Student Success Metrics: University of Houston demonstrates stronger retention (86% vs 74%) and graduation rates (65% vs 43%). Ten years post-graduation, University of Houston alumni earn a median salary of $62,377 compared to $45,411 for Prairie View A&M graduates.
Campus Experience: University of Houston offers an urban campus experience in the nation's fourth-largest city, while Prairie View A&M provides a traditional small-town college atmosphere. Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
University of Houston suits students seeking diverse academic options, urban opportunities, and strong career outcomes, while Prairie View A&M appeals to students preferring smaller class sizes, close-knit community feel, and the historically black college experience.
Admission and Selectivity: University of Houston is moderately more selective with a 66% acceptance rate compared to Prairie View A&M's 76% acceptance rate. Both schools offer accessible admission pathways for Texas students.
Cost and Financial Value: University of Houston offers lower in-state tuition at $9,711 versus Prairie View A&M's $11,299. The average net prices are similar ($13,853 vs $14,041), but University of Houston graduates carry significantly less debt ($18,194 vs $27,000).
Academic Environment: Prairie View A&M provides a more intimate learning environment with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio compared to University of Houston's 21:1 ratio. However, University of Houston's larger size (37,175 students vs 8,527) offers more diverse academic programs and research opportunities.
Student Success Metrics: University of Houston demonstrates stronger retention (86% vs 74%) and graduation rates (65% vs 43%). Ten years post-graduation, University of Houston alumni earn a median salary of $62,377 compared to $45,411 for Prairie View A&M graduates.
Campus Experience: University of Houston offers an urban campus experience in the nation's fourth-largest city, while Prairie View A&M provides a traditional small-town college atmosphere. Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
University of Houston suits students seeking diverse academic options, urban opportunities, and strong career outcomes, while Prairie View A&M appeals to students preferring smaller class sizes, close-knit community feel, and the historically black college experience.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Houston | Prairie View A & M University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 66.2% | 76.1% |
| SAT Average | 1,245 | 955 |
| Enrollment | 37,175 | 8,527 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,711 | $11,299 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,191 | $26,874 |
| Net Price | $13,853 | $14,041 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.9% | 43.2% |
| Retention Rate | 86.4% | 74.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,377 | $45,411 |
| Median Debt | $18,194 | $27,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Houston | Prairie View A & M University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $74,576 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $72,891 |
| Industrial Engineering. | $73,530 | Chemical Engineering. | $70,009 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $71,202 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $70,009 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $68,858 | Mechanical Engineering. | $69,757 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | $67,899 | Computer Engineering. | $69,338 |