Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
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
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UH is rated within the top 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Houston within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#468 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#141 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#16 in Best Colleges in Texas
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Texas
#285 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Value Colleges in Texas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1150/1330 |
| ACT | 23/28 |
| GPA | 3.46 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | May 31, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Texas Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,556 |
| Other Fees | $1,026 |
| Room and Board | $10,830 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,637 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,734 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,556 |
| Other Fees | $1,026 |
| Room and Board | $10,830 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,637 |
| Total One Year Cost | $39,214 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 30% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| Social Sciences | 7% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Biology | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering UH are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=225511 IPEDS survey data for University of Houston.
Current students may use the University of Houston GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025