UH Admission Requirements
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- Houston, TX
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UH Admission Overview
UH admission requirements are moderately competitive. Last year UH admitted 73.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.46 GPA (B+) and SAT 1160-1340 / ACT 23-29. UH is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
UH is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
UH Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Low
Admission difficulty for University of Houston
Acceptance Rate
The UH acceptance rate is 73.9%. Last year, 23,446 of 31,716 applicants were admitted. That is the 30th lowest acceptance rate in Texas.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into UH and can you get accepted?
UH is a moderately competitive school to get into, admitting a large majority of applicants. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile. Getting an offer is relatively likely compared with more selective schools, but last year's class still posted a strong academic profile.
University of Houston typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.46. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 27% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
UH GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.46Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
B+Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.46
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at UH typically have around a 3.46 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. UH is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #29 in Texas for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
UH Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
The University of Houston is test-optional for first-year admission through fall 2030. Applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores and are not disadvantaged if they apply without them. Students who send scores must have official SAT or ACT results sent from the testing agency; Houston uses the highest total or composite score and does not superscore. All applicants submit a short admissions essay and extracurricular activities.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://www.uh.edu/undergraduate-admissions/resources/test-optional-admissions/index.php
UH SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1160-1340Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
46%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 590
- Math 570
- Composite 1160
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 670
- Math 670
- Composite 1340
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at UH typically score around a 1250 SAT (middle 50% 1160–1340) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 82nd percentile nationally. UH ranks #8 in the state of Texas for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1160 to 1340
SAT policy
UH is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1250 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
UH ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
23-29Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
13%25th Percentile Scores
- English 22
- Math 21
- Composite 23
75th Percentile Scores
- English 30
- Math 27
- Composite 29
Average ACT
Incoming testers at UH typically have around a 26 ACT (mid-50 23–29) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 82nd percentile of ACT takers nationwide. UH places #11 among colleges in Texas for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 23 to 29
ACT policy
You may apply to UH without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 26.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
64% of University of Houston freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 30% are in the top ten percent.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the UH chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to University of Houston and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
May 31, 2027Days left to Apply
273Applicants have 273 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on May 31, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to University of Houston is $75.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
UH is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 73.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.46 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1160-1340); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to University of Houston often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=225511.
GPA calculator: University of Houston GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026