University of Houston: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes

University of Houston is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of Houston admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 76%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT of 1220 and an ACT composite around 26. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,276 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.

What GPA does my child need for University of Houston?

52% of enrolled students at University of Houston had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.46, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.

What does University of Houston weight in admissions?

University of Houston reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2025-2026). What the weights mean

How University of Houston reads an application: what each weighting means for your child, plus waitlist, transfer and early-round odds

SAT and ACT scores University of Houston typically admits

The middle-50 SAT Math range is 570–670, with an EBRW midpoint near 615. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 23–29. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.

Where admitted students ranked in their high school class

Class rank distribution gives parents a clear sense of how academically dominant a typical admitted student was within their own high school cohort, often a more meaningful signal than absolute GPA.

How much does University of Houston actually cost?

Published tuition is $9,717 for in-state students and $22,547 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $11,286 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $14,276 per year, and that is the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 42% of students receive Pell Grants.

Application deadlines and early decision data for University of Houston

Will my child graduate from University of Houston?

These predict outcomes at University of Houston better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates

Most popular majors at University of Houston

The most popular undergraduate programs at University of Houston, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Psychology, General, Business Administration, Management and Operations and Finance and Financial Management Services. Across all programs, University of Houston confers roughly 3,268 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Psychology, General program report a median income of about $52,111 five years after entering college. What these figures mean

Is University of Houston safe? Campus crime & safety

In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of Houston disclosed 214 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 5.6 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 12 violent offenses and 25 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts

What is campus life like at University of Houston?

About 16% of undergraduates at University of Houston live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. In Greek life, 3% of men join a fraternity and 4% of women join a sorority. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.

Other colleges in Texas parents ask about

• Texas State University
  89% acceptance
• University of North Texas
  72% acceptance
• Texas Tech University
  73% acceptance
• University of Texas at Arlington
  80% acceptance
• University of Texas at Dallas
  65% acceptance
• University of Texas at San Antonio
  87% acceptance
• Trinity University
  26% acceptance
• Southwestern University
  43% acceptance

Common questions parents ask about University of Houston