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University of Houston vs The University of Texas at Austin

University of Houston is a public university in Houston, TX. The University of Texas at Austin is a public university in Austin, TX. The University of Texas at Austin admits about 27% of applicants and University of Houston about 74%, making The University of Texas at Austin the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,276 a year at University of Houston after aid, and about $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin. About 88% of students graduate at The University of Texas at Austin, compared with 65% at University of Houston. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Texas at Austin alumni earn a median of about $75,121, against $62,377 for University of Houston.

University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
38,380
42,855
Acceptance rate
74%
27%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.46–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1340
1250–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
27–33
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,276
$19,857
Full cost / yr
$26,185
$31,247
In-state tuition
$9,717
$11,688
Out-of-state tuition
$22,547
$44,908
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,929
$12,553
$30k - $48k
$10,220
$14,297
$48k - $75k
$12,528
$17,207
$75k - $110k
$19,197
$24,406
Over $110k
$23,811
$30,082
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
88%
Freshman retention
87%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,768
$60,896
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,377
$75,121
Median debt at graduation
$18,194
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
26%
First-generation students
40%
28%
International students
5%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
May 31
Dec 1

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 The University of Texas at Austin harder to get into?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into. It admits about 27% 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
University of Houston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,276 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin. 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
Before aid, University of Houston costs about $26,185 a year and The University of Texas at Austin about $31,247. 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
University of Houston. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,929 there, against about $12,553 at The University of Texas at Austin. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Houston or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is the larger of the two, with about 42,855 undergraduates against 38,380 at University of Houston.
Does University of Houston or The University of Texas at Austin have a better graduation rate?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 65% at University of Houston.
Do graduates of University of Houston or The University of Texas at Austin earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,121 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 The University of Texas at Austin require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Houston is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The University of Texas at Austin requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Houston and The University of Texas at Austin look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1340 at University of Houston and 1250–1510 at The University of Texas at Austin. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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