University of Houston vs The University of Texas at Arlington

University of Houston vs. University of Texas at Arlington

Admission Difficulty: University of Houston is more selective with a 66.24% acceptance rate compared to UT Arlington's 80.80%, making Houston moderately more competitive for admission.

Cost and Value: Houston offers better value with lower in-state tuition ($9,711 vs. $11,728) and out-of-state costs ($22,191 vs. $29,660). Houston's average net price is also lower at $13,853 compared to Arlington's $15,235. Both schools produce similar median debt loads around $17,000-$18,000.

Academic Strengths: Houston maintains higher academic standards with an 86.44% retention rate versus Arlington's 72.88%. Houston's student-faculty ratio of 21:1 is slightly better than Arlington's 23:1. Houston achieves a significantly higher six-year graduation rate of 64.90% compared to Arlington's 56.50%.

Campus Experience: Houston's larger enrollment of 37,175 students creates a bigger campus environment compared to Arlington's 30,834 students. Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics, offering similar sports and recreational opportunities.

Outcomes: Despite Houston's stronger academic metrics, both schools produce comparable career outcomes. UT Arlington graduates earn slightly more with a median salary of $63,199 versus Houston's $62,377 ten years after graduation.

University of Houston better suits students seeking stronger academic support, higher graduation rates, and lower costs, while UT Arlington fits students who prefer easier admission requirements and don't mind trading some academic metrics for slightly higher earning potential.