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University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, Texas 77002-1014

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Campus Vibe

Large UniversityUrbanPublicBusiness Focus

Known for business — excellent value

University of Houston-Downtown is a public institution in Houston with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 1041, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 12.8K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

34% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,551 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,623.

Established
1974
Mascot
Ed-U-Gator
Type
Public university

Plan Your Visit

91%Acceptance
1041SAT Avg
12,812Students
18:1Student:Faculty
34%Grad Rate
$53,551Earnings 10yr
$14,623Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

University of Houston-Downtown Launches New Data Science Minor

Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate90.6%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1041

Reading & Writing
490560
Math
470550

ACT Score Range

Composite
1723

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

90.6%

Trend

SAT Avg

1041

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$7,708
Tuition (out-of-state)$17,788
Books & Supplies$1,296
Total Cost of Attendance$23,017
Average Net Price$14,623
Median Debt at Graduation$18,750
Monthly Payment (10yr)$199

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$13,486
$30–48K$13,911
$48–75K$16,332
$75–110K$19,673
$110K+$22,498

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

69.5%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$13,750

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

97

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

25

Burglary

5

Aggravated Assault

3

Robbery

8

Motor Vehicle Theft

10

Sex Offenses

1

Arson

26

Drug Arrests

19

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (58)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

67%

Negative
  • 67% first-year retention rate
  • Active student organizations
  • Engaged campus community

Mental Health Services

Counselor Ratio

1:350

24/7 Crisis Line

Yes

Free Sessions

12 per year

Avg Wait

5 days

Walk-in hours available weekdays

Disability Services

Dedicated OfficeOffice of Disability Services
Extended test timeNote-taking assistanceHousing accommodationsAccessible transportation

ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements

Dining

Rating

★★★★☆

Score

4/5

Meal Plan

$6,200/yr

VegetarianVeganGluten-freeHalalKosher

Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options

Student Body

Undergrads
12,812
Gender Split
62% / 38%
Women / Men
First Generation
53%
Pell Grant Recipients
52%

Race & Ethnicity

White 11%
Black 17%
Hispanic 59%
Asian 8%
Two+ 2%
Int'l 2%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate33.8%
Freshman Retention67.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$49,120
10 Years$53,551

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#62
1
vs 2024
Forbes
#495
1
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#92
2
vs 2024

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • History The University of Houston–Downtown College was established when the University of Houston acquired the assets of South Texas Junior College at One Main Street on August 6, 1974.
  • On April 26, 1983, Senate Bill 235 (SB 235) changed the name of the institution to the University of Houston–Downtown.
  • The Willow Street Pump Station was renovated, and the Commerce Street Building opened, providing a new home for the College of Public Service.
  • UHD celebrated a milestone when it enrolled the first class of MBA students in the College of Business.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

112Above Average

Housing and food costs are higher than national average

Climate (School Year)

68°
Sep
55°
Oct
42°
Nov
30°
Dec
25°
Jan
28°
Feb
38°
Mar
50°
Apr
62°
May
Snowfall: 48"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 120

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675,647
90 miles(95 min)
Hartfordpop. 121,054
60 miles(70 min)

Transit Scores

BikeableCampus shuttle: Free campus shuttle runs 7am-midnight
72
Walk Score
45
Transit Score
68
Bike Score

Local Economy

Unemployment Rate3.2%
Top Employers
UniversityRegional Medical CenterTech corridor firms
Key Industries
EducationHealthcareTechnology

Getting There

Nearest Airports

IAH Houston Intercontinental16 mi
AUS Austin141 mi
SAT San Antonio187 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1603 mi · ~46h 19m drive
New York, NY1417 mi · ~40h 56m drive
Hartford, CT1511 mi · ~43h 39m drive
Providence, RI1571 mi · ~45h 23m drive
Albany, NY1490 mi · ~43h 3m drive
Syracuse, NY1402 mi · ~40h 30m drive
Rochester, NY1347 mi · ~38h 55m drive
Buffalo, NY1285 mi · ~37h 7m drive
Philadelphia, PA1339 mi · ~38h 41m drive
Pittsburgh, PA1136 mi · ~32h 49m drive
Harrisburg, PA1268 mi · ~36h 38m drive
Newark, NJ1410 mi · ~40h 44m drive
Washington, DC1218 mi · ~35h 11m drive
Baltimore, MD1250 mi · ~36h 7m drive
Atlanta, GA700 mi · ~20h 13m drive
Charlotte, NC925 mi · ~26h 43m drive
Raleigh, NC1055 mi · ~30h 29m drive
Miami, FL967 mi · ~27h 56m drive
Orlando, FL847 mi · ~24h 28m drive
Tampa, FL790 mi · ~22h 49m drive
Nashville, TN665 mi · ~19h 13m drive
New Orleans, LA317 mi · ~9h 9m drive
Richmond, VA1160 mi · ~33h 31m drive
Chicago, IL941 mi · ~27h 11m drive
Detroit, MI1105 mi · ~31h 55m drive
Minneapolis, MN1057 mi · ~30h 32m drive
St. Louis, MO679 mi · ~19h 37m drive
Kansas City, MO646 mi · ~18h 40m drive
Indianapolis, IN865 mi · ~24h 59m drive
Columbus, OH992 mi · ~28h 39m drive
Cleveland, OH1114 mi · ~32h 11m drive
Milwaukee, WI1005 mi · ~29h 2m drive
Dallas, TX225 mi · ~6h 30m drive
Houston, TX1 mi · ~2 min drive
Austin, TX147 mi · ~4h 15m drive
San Antonio, TX190 mi · ~5h 29m drive
Los Angeles, CA1371 mi · ~39h 36m drive
San Francisco, CA1643 mi · ~47h 28m drive
San Diego, CA1302 mi · ~37h 37m drive
Seattle, WA1889 mi · ~54h 34m drive
Portland, OR1834 mi · ~52h 59m drive
Denver, CO878 mi · ~25h 22m drive
Phoenix, AZ1015 mi · ~29h 19m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1199 mi · ~34h 38m drive
Honolulu, HI3895 mi · ~112h 31m drive
Deep South / Subtropical (warm winters, hot summers)

Visit Planning

Suggested Itinerary

9:00 AMArrive & park
Visitor parking lot
Free parking with visitor pass
9:30 AMCheck in at Admissions
Admissions Office
10:00 AMInformation session
Welcome Center
45 minutes
11:00 AMCampus tour
Starts at Welcome Center
75 minutes, student-led
12:30 PMLunch
Main Dining Hall
Visitor meal passes available
1:30 PMDepartment visit
Academic buildings
Schedule with department directly
2:30 PMExplore campus independently
Library, student center, residence halls

Airport Transit

Houston Intercontinental (IAH)16 miles
Rental car
24 min$40-60/day
Shuttle/rideshare
32 min$19-32
Austin (AUS)141 miles
Rental car
212 min$40-60/day
Shuttle/rideshare
282 min$169-282

Deadline Calendar

University of Houston-Downtown Application Checklist

Decision Notifications

University of Houston-Downtown — v2 Preview — TourStack