UHCL vs. McMurry University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Houston Clear Lake in Houston, TX with McMurry University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Houston Clear Lake is larger than McMurry University based on total student enrollment (8,137 students vs. 3,175 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Houston Clear Lake is located in Houston, TX (Large Suburban setting); McMurry University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• University of Houston Clear Lake is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McMurry University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Houston Clear Lake 15:1; McMurry University 16:1.

UHCL vs. McMurry University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UHCL or McMurry University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Houston Clear Lake than McMurry University ($14,059 vs. $20,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McMurry University are 22.2% lower than at University of Houston Clear Lake ($9,836 vs. $12,642).
• McMurry University is 316.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UHCL (about $24,570 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $7,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.2% higher at McMurry University than at University of Houston Clear Lake (about $11,226 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $21,114.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McMurry University than at University of Houston Clear Lake (99% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McMurry University students is 82.8% larger than aid received by University of Houston Clear Lake students ($23,083 vs. $12,630).

UHCL vs. McMurry University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UHCL or McMurry University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between McMurry University and UHCL.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Houston Clear Lake (1060) is the same as at McMurry University (1060).
• Incoming UHCL students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at McMurry University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Clear Lake 970/1150; McMurry University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Clear Lake 20/25; McMurry University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UHCL - Test optional; McMurry University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UHCL Jun 1, 2027; McMurry University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McMurry University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at UHCL (3.39).
• UHCL has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than McMurry University (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at UHCL vs. 12% at McMurry University.

UHCL vs. McMurry University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UHCL and McMurry University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from University of Houston Clear Lake earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than McMurry University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston Clear Lake graduates have a $9,674 lower median loan debt than McMurry University graduates ($17,150 vs. $26,824).
• Among borrowers, UHCL graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McMurry University graduates ($177 vs. $277).
• More UHCL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McMurry University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.