University of Houston

  • 6/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Houston, TX
  • 4.0 7 reviews
#5 Best Public Universities in Texas

Overview

Total enrollment

47,980
University of Houston overview
University of Houston overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

The University of Houston, the flagship institution of the UH System, occupies a 594-acre campus in southeast Houston, Texas, approximately three miles from downtown. Founded in 1927, UH evolved from a junior college to a major public research university serving one of the nation's most diverse metropolitan areas. The campus features modernist architecture alongside contemporary academic and research facilities, including the Energy Research Park and the Texas Center for Superconductivity. As a Carnegie-designated Tier One research institution, UH offers comprehensive academic programs through its 13 colleges, with notable strength in engineering, business, law, and creative writing. The university maintains extensive student housing options across multiple residential districts, and its athletic programs compete in NCAA Division I as the Houston Cougars, with particular prominence in men's basketball and football.

Ratings

UH is rated within the top 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    6 out of 10
  • Academics
    8 out of 10
  • Resources
    4 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    7 out of 10
  • Value
    8 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Difficult
University of Houston admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1160/1340
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 23/29
  • GPA 3.46

Acceptance Rate

73.9%
University of Houston applications overview
  • Applications Due May 31, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 26.5%
  • Application Fee $75

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Texas Resident Tuition

$9,717

Out of State Resident Tuition

$22,547

Breakdown

In State Costs for University of Houston
  • Tuition $9,717
  • Books and Supplies $1,430
  • Other Fees $1,032
  • Room and Board $11,286
  • Budget for Other Expenses $5,328
  • Total One Year Cost $28,793

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$59,000 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

46% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of Houston are Business, Psychology, and Social Sciences. 30% of students major in Business, 8% in Psychology, and 7% in Social Sciences.

  • Business 30%
  • Psychology 8%
  • Social Sciences 7%
  • Communication 7%
  • Biology 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering University of Houston are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=225511.

GPA calculator: University of Houston GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026