UHCL vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Houston Clear Lake is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (8,137 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Houston Clear Lake is located in Houston, TX (Large Suburban setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• University of Houston Clear Lake is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Houston Clear Lake 15:1; Nelson University 15:1.

UHCL vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UHCL or Nelson 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 Nelson University ($14,059 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 24.1% lower than at University of Houston Clear Lake ($9,598 vs. $12,642).
• Nelson University is 222.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UHCL (about $17,294 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $7,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.7% higher at Nelson University than at University of Houston Clear Lake (about $3,950 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $21,114.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at University of Houston Clear Lake (96% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Houston Clear Lake students is 4.6% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($12,630 vs. $12,075).

UHCL vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UHCL or Nelson 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 Nelson University and UHCL.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Houston Clear Lake (1060) is 70 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Clear Lake 970/1150; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Clear Lake 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UHCL - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: UHCL Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UHCL students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• UHCL has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at UHCL vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

UHCL vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UHCL and Nelson 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 $16,800 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston Clear Lake graduates have a $9,100 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($17,150 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, UHCL graduates have an estimated $94 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($177 vs. $271).
• More UHCL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 50%)

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.