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University of Houston

UH

Houston, Texas 77204-2018

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Business-focusedLarge campusUrbanGreek lifeSports culture

Known for business — major research university

University of Houston is a public institution in Houston with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 1229, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 37.2K undergraduates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

65% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,377 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $13,853.

Established
1927
Motto
In Tempore
Mascot
Shasta and Sasha
Type
Public research university
Conference
Big 12 Conference
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

1 upcoming visit · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Tour

Plan Your Visit

70%Acceptance
1229SAT Avg
37,175Students
21:1Student:Faculty
65%Grad Rate
$62,377Earnings 10yr
$13,853Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate69.5%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1229

Reading & WritingMid: 615
580660
MathMid: 620
570670

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 26
2328

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

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,711
Tuition (out-of-state)$22,191
Room & Board$10,830
Books & Supplies$1,556
Total Cost of Attendance$25,056
Average Net Price$13,853
Median Debt at Graduation$18,194
Monthly Payment (10yr)$193

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$10,327
$30–48K$10,690
$48–75K$12,613
$75–110K$19,459
$110K+$22,969

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

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

68.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$14,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

282

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

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

Incident Breakdown (2024)

72

Burglary

14

Aggravated Assault

10

Robbery

24

Motor Vehicle Theft

30

Sex Offenses

2

Arson

74

Drug Arrests

56

Liquor Arrests

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

Programs (190)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

86%

Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
37,175
Gender Split
52% / 48%
Women / Men
First Generation
40%
Pell Grant Recipients
41%

Race & Ethnicity

White 17%
Black 11%
Hispanic 38%
Asian 24%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 5%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate64.9%
Freshman Retention86.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$52,768
10 Years$62,377

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

Rankings

U.S. News
#132
vs 2024
Forbes
#107
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#157
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports

GolfBasketball finalBasketballSoccer

History & Fun Facts

  • On March 7, 1927, trustees of the Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) unanimously signed a charter founding the junior college.
  • Its first class began June 5, 1927, with an enrollment of 232 students and 12 faculty recruited from Rice University, the University of Texas and Sam Houston State Teacher's College.
  • The first session accepted no freshman students, and its purpose was to mainly educate future teachers about the college.
  • In the fall semester, HJC opened enrolled to high school students.
  • HJC's first president was Edison Ellsworth Oberholtzer, who was the dominant force in establishing the junior college.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

106Above Average

Estimated from TX state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 0"Sunny days: 240Rainy days: 85

Nearest Cities

Houstonpop. 2.3M
3 mi(5 min)
Austinpop. 960K
148 mi(257 min)
San Antoniopop. 1.5M
190 mi(329 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

IAH Houston Intercontinental19 mi
AUS Austin143 mi
SAT San Antonio188 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1605 mi · ~46h 22m drive
New York, NY1418 mi · ~40h 58m drive
Hartford, CT1512 mi · ~43h 41m drive
Providence, RI1573 mi · ~45h 27m drive
Albany, NY1492 mi · ~43h 6m drive
Syracuse, NY1404 mi · ~40h 34m drive
Rochester, NY1349 mi · ~38h 58m drive
Buffalo, NY1287 mi · ~37h 11m drive
Philadelphia, PA1340 mi · ~38h 43m drive
Pittsburgh, PA1138 mi · ~32h 53m drive
Harrisburg, PA1270 mi · ~36h 41m drive
Newark, NJ1411 mi · ~40h 46m drive
Washington, DC1219 mi · ~35h 13m drive
Baltimore, MD1251 mi · ~36h 8m drive
Atlanta, GA701 mi · ~20h 15m drive
Charlotte, NC926 mi · ~26h 45m drive
Raleigh, NC1055 mi · ~30h 29m drive
Miami, FL965 mi · ~27h 53m drive
Orlando, FL846 mi · ~24h 26m drive
Tampa, FL789 mi · ~22h 48m drive
Nashville, TN666 mi · ~19h 14m drive
New Orleans, LA316 mi · ~9h 8m drive
Richmond, VA1161 mi · ~33h 32m drive
Chicago, IL944 mi · ~27h 16m drive
Detroit, MI1107 mi · ~31h 59m drive
Minneapolis, MN1060 mi · ~30h 37m drive
St. Louis, MO682 mi · ~19h 42m drive
Kansas City, MO650 mi · ~18h 47m drive
Indianapolis, IN867 mi · ~25h 3m drive
Columbus, OH993 mi · ~28h 41m drive
Cleveland, OH1115 mi · ~32h 13m drive
Milwaukee, WI1008 mi · ~29h 7m drive
Dallas, TX228 mi · ~6h 35m drive
Houston, TX3 mi · ~5 min drive
Austin, TX148 mi · ~4h 17m drive
San Antonio, TX190 mi · ~5h 29m drive
Los Angeles, CA1373 mi · ~39h 40m drive
San Francisco, CA1645 mi · ~47h 31m drive
San Diego, CA1303 mi · ~37h 39m drive
Seattle, WA1892 mi · ~54h 39m drive
Portland, OR1837 mi · ~53h 4m drive
Denver, CO882 mi · ~25h 29m drive
Phoenix, AZ1017 mi · ~29h 23m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1202 mi · ~34h 43m drive
Honolulu, HI3896 mi · ~112h 33m drive
Deep South / Subtropical (warm winters, hot summers)

Deadline Calendar

University of Houston Application Checklist

Decision Notifications