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University of Houston vs Texas Tech University

University of Houston is a public university in Houston, TX, and Texas Tech University is a public university in Lubbock, TX. Texas Tech University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 73% of applicants against 74% at University of Houston. University of Houston is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,276 a year against $19,070 at Texas Tech University. About 68% of students graduate at Texas Tech University, compared with 65% at University of Houston. Ten years after enrolling, Texas Tech University alumni earn a median of about $62,454, against $62,377 for University of Houston.

University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Lubbock, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
38,380
32,394
Acceptance rate
74%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1340
1090–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
23–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,276
$19,070
Full cost / yr
$26,185
$27,443
In-state tuition
$9,717
$11,852
Out-of-state tuition
$22,547
$24,451
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,929
$12,457
$30k - $48k
$10,220
$13,851
$48k - $75k
$12,528
$17,058
$75k - $110k
$19,197
$22,073
Over $110k
$23,811
$24,622
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
68%
Freshman retention
87%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,768
$52,588
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,377
$62,454
Median debt at graduation
$18,194
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
28%
First-generation students
40%
32%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
May 31
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Houston or Texas Tech University harder to get into?
Texas Tech University is harder to get into. It admits about 73% of applicants, compared with 74% at University of Houston. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Houston or Texas Tech University?
University of Houston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,276 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,070 at Texas Tech University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Houston and Texas Tech University?
Before aid, University of Houston costs about $26,185 a year and Texas Tech University about $27,443. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Houston or Texas Tech University?
University of Houston. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,929 there, against about $12,457 at Texas Tech University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Houston or Texas Tech University?
University of Houston is the larger of the two, with about 38,380 undergraduates against 32,394 at Texas Tech University.
Does University of Houston or Texas Tech University have a better graduation rate?
Texas Tech University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 65% at University of Houston.
Do graduates of University of Houston or Texas Tech University earn more?
Texas Tech University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,454 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,377 for University of Houston. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Houston and Texas Tech University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Houston is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Texas Tech University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Houston and Texas Tech University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1340 at University of Houston and 1090–1280 at Texas Tech University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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