University of Houston-Downtown vs. McMurry University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Houston Downtown 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 Downtown is larger than McMurry University based on total student enrollment (13,730 students vs. 3,175 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Houston Downtown is located in Houston, TX (Large City setting); McMurry University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• University of Houston Downtown 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 Downtown 18:1; McMurry University 16:1.

University of Houston-Downtown vs. McMurry University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Houston-Downtown 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 Downtown than McMurry University ($10,832 vs. $20,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McMurry University are 3.3% lower than at University of Houston Downtown ($9,836 vs. $10,176).
• McMurry University is 319.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Houston-Downtown (about $24,632 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $7,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.3% higher at McMurry University than at University of Houston Downtown (about $14,792 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $17,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McMurry University than at University of Houston Downtown (99% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McMurry University students is 125% larger than aid received by University of Houston Downtown students ($23,083 vs. $10,257).

University of Houston-Downtown vs. McMurry University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Houston-Downtown 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 University of Houston-Downtown.

• University of Houston Downtown reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McMurry University (1060) is 30 points higher than at University of Houston-Downtown (1030).
• Incoming McMurry University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at University of Houston-Downtown).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Downtown 940/1110; McMurry University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Downtown 16/22; McMurry University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Houston-Downtown - Open admission; McMurry University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Houston-Downtown Jun 1, 2027; McMurry University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McMurry University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at University of Houston-Downtown (3.29).
• University of Houston-Downtown has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than McMurry University (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at University of Houston-Downtown vs. 12% at McMurry University.

University of Houston-Downtown vs. McMurry University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Houston-Downtown 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).

• McMurry University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than University of Houston Downtown's (15%).
• Graduates from University of Houston Downtown earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than McMurry University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $43,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston Downtown graduates have a $8,074 lower median loan debt than McMurry University graduates ($18,750 vs. $26,824).
• Among borrowers, University of Houston-Downtown graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McMurry University graduates ($193 vs. $277).
• More McMurry University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Houston-Downtown students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 41%)

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.