University of Houston vs Texas A&M University-College Station
Both universities offer strong value propositions but differ significantly in selectivity and outcomes. Texas A&M is slightly more competitive with a 62.65% acceptance rate compared to University of Houston's 66.24%, though both are reasonably accessible.
Cost and Value: University of Houston provides better affordability with in-state tuition of $9,711 versus Texas A&M's $13,099. However, Texas A&M's average net price is higher at $20,924 compared to Houston's $13,853. Both schools keep debt manageable, with median debt around $18,000.
Academic Environment: Texas A&M offers a better student experience with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio versus Houston's 21:1. Texas A&M also demonstrates superior retention (94.25% vs 86.44%) and graduation rates (83.80% vs 64.90%), indicating stronger academic support systems.
Outcomes: Texas A&M graduates earn significantly more, with median 10-year earnings of $72,097 compared to Houston's $62,377. This $10,000 difference suggests stronger alumni networks and career services at Texas A&M.
Campus Experience: Both offer NCAA Division I athletics. Texas A&M's larger enrollment (59,099 vs 37,175) creates more extensive alumni networks and research opportunities, while Houston's urban location provides internship and job opportunities in the nation's fourth-largest city.
Academic Strengths: Texas A&M excels in engineering, agriculture, and business, while Houston offers strong programs in energy, medicine, and business with direct industry connections.
Students seeking affordability and urban opportunities should consider University of Houston, while those prioritizing graduation rates, earnings potential, and traditional college traditions would benefit from Texas A&M.
Both universities offer strong value propositions but differ significantly in selectivity and outcomes. Texas A&M is slightly more competitive with a 62.65% acceptance rate compared to University of Houston's 66.24%, though both are reasonably accessible.
Cost and Value: University of Houston provides better affordability with in-state tuition of $9,711 versus Texas A&M's $13,099. However, Texas A&M's average net price is higher at $20,924 compared to Houston's $13,853. Both schools keep debt manageable, with median debt around $18,000.
Academic Environment: Texas A&M offers a better student experience with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio versus Houston's 21:1. Texas A&M also demonstrates superior retention (94.25% vs 86.44%) and graduation rates (83.80% vs 64.90%), indicating stronger academic support systems.
Outcomes: Texas A&M graduates earn significantly more, with median 10-year earnings of $72,097 compared to Houston's $62,377. This $10,000 difference suggests stronger alumni networks and career services at Texas A&M.
Campus Experience: Both offer NCAA Division I athletics. Texas A&M's larger enrollment (59,099 vs 37,175) creates more extensive alumni networks and research opportunities, while Houston's urban location provides internship and job opportunities in the nation's fourth-largest city.
Academic Strengths: Texas A&M excels in engineering, agriculture, and business, while Houston offers strong programs in energy, medicine, and business with direct industry connections.
Students seeking affordability and urban opportunities should consider University of Houston, while those prioritizing graduation rates, earnings potential, and traditional college traditions would benefit from Texas A&M.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Houston | Texas A & M University-College Station | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 66.2% | 62.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,245 | 1,270 |
| Enrollment | 37,175 | 59,099 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,711 | $13,099 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,191 | $40,328 |
| Net Price | $13,853 | $20,924 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.9% | 83.8% |
| Retention Rate | 86.4% | 94.3% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,377 | $72,097 |
| Median Debt | $18,194 | $17,804 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Houston | Texas A & M University-College Station | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $74,576 | Petroleum Engineering. | $92,124 |
| Industrial Engineering. | $73,530 | Marine Transportation. | $86,129 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $71,202 | Chemical Engineering. | $80,669 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $68,858 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $77,062 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | $67,899 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $77,024 |