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University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public

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69.5%
Acceptance
1230
SAT
$31,423
Sticker Price
$12,613
Net Price*
$62,377
Earnings
1.8 yrs
Payback
30,327
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is University of Houston's acceptance rate?

Up 7.2 percentage points since 2018

With a 69.5% acceptance rate, University of Houston is considered moderately selective. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to University of Houston?

University of Houston received 30,327 applications in 2023, up 35% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 27% is moderate for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at University of Houston?

Psychology, General leads as the most popular major at University of Houston. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at University of Houston?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 32% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 24% from $25,271 to $31,423.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do University of Houston graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $74,576 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Electrical, Electronics and Co... $74,576
$9,348 $128,868
Industrial Engineering $73,530
$9,348 $128,868
Mechanical Engineering $71,202
$9,348 $128,868
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $68,858
$9,348 $128,868
Electrical Engineering Technol... $67,899
$9,348 $128,868
Information Science/Studies $67,660
$9,348 $128,868
Petroleum Engineering $67,380
$9,348 $128,868
Construction Engineering Techn... $66,060
$9,348 $128,868
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University of Houston Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 30,327 21,087 69.5% 26.8%
2022 29,783 19,728 66.2% 28.2%
2021 29,721 19,474 65.5% 27.9%
2020 28,645 17,986 62.8% 29.0%
2019 25,393 16,500 65.0% 34.4%
2018 22,461 14,002 62.3% 37.1%
2017 20,768 12,691 61.1% 39.1%
2016 19,860 11,627 58.5% 38.4%
2015 17,971 10,732 59.7% 39.0%

Is University of Houston worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
Payback Period --

Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do University of Houston graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$62,377
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$13,600 $62,377 median $100,000

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $13,600 while the top 10% earn $100,000. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$52,768
Median Debt
$18,194
6-Year Graduation Rate
64.9%

How much does University of Houston cost?

The total cost of attendance at University of Houston is approximately $31,423 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$8,449
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,665
Fees
$1,008
Room & Board
$9,750
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,423

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $10,327
$30-48k income $10,690
$48-75k income $12,613
$75-110k income $19,459
$110k+ income $22,969

Which majors pay the most?

  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $74,576
  • Industrial Engineering $73,530
  • Mechanical Engineering $71,202
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $68,858
  • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $67,899

Who attends University of Houston?

University of Houston enrolls 46,676 students, with 10% from outside the United States. Women make up 52% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 46,676
Retention Rate 86%
International 10%
Women 52%
Race/Ethnicity
Hispanic 34%
Asian 22%
White 19%
Black 11%

How much financial aid is available?

62% of students receive some form of financial aid at University of Houston. About 41% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 62%
Avg: $8,853 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 41%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 32%
Avg: $6,396
School's Own Grants 56%
Avg: $5,252 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at University of Houston are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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