About

About University of Houston

public research universityhouston energy hubhigh research activitybusiness and tech focus

University of Houston is a public research university in Houston, TX, known for its public research university, houston energy hub, and high research activity. With an acceptance rate of 66%, U of H is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 5,555 students each year. U of H is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1160–1330, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. U of H offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,230 per year; the sticker price of $37,269 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Houston acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

66%
Overall Accept Rate
1245
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1160 – 1330 (test optional)

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ED advantage at University of Houston: ED acceptance rate is 100% vs 66% regular decision, more than double. If University of Houstonis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Houston

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Apply to the Honors College at UH when you submit your main application. Admission to the Honors College is competitive and gives you access to smaller classes, priority registration, and dedicated advising that makes a real difference at a large university.
Essay Strategy
Use your essays to connect your goals directly to Houston as a city, whether that means the energy sector, the Texas Medical Center, NASA, or the Port of Houston. Admissions readers want to see that you have thought concretely about how being in Houston advances your specific ambitions.

Get a tailored strategy for University of Houston. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Houston actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$37k/yr$10.9k
30k-48k~$37k/yr$10.2k
48k-75k~$37k/yr$12.5k
75k-110k~$37k/yr$19.2k
110k+~$37k/yr$23.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

65%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$53k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
23:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
32,296
Undergrad Enrollment
University of Houston Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch