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University of Houston vs The University of Texas at Dallas

University of Houston is a public university in Houston, TX, and The University of Texas at Dallas is a public university in Richardson, TX. The University of Texas at Dallas is the more selective of the two, admitting about 65% 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 $18,267 at The University of Texas at Dallas. About 75% of students graduate at The University of Texas at Dallas, compared with 65% at University of Houston. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Texas at Dallas alumni earn a median of about $68,227, against $62,377 for University of Houston.

University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Richardson, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
38,380
21,751
Acceptance rate
74%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1340
1160–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
24–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,276
$18,267
Full cost / yr
$26,185
$29,807
In-state tuition
$9,717
$14,644
Out-of-state tuition
$22,547
$40,144
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,929
$12,814
$30k - $48k
$10,220
$13,510
$48k - $75k
$12,528
$14,030
$75k - $110k
$19,197
$19,892
Over $110k
$23,811
$26,596
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
75%
Freshman retention
87%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,768
$57,249
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,377
$68,227
Median debt at graduation
$18,194
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
30%
First-generation students
40%
31%
International students
5%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
May 31
May 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 Dallas harder to get into?
The University of Texas at Dallas is harder to get into. It admits about 65% 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 Dallas?
University of Houston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,276 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,267 at The University of Texas at Dallas. 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 Dallas?
Before aid, University of Houston costs about $26,185 a year and The University of Texas at Dallas about $29,807. 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 Dallas?
University of Houston. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,929 there, against about $12,814 at The University of Texas at Dallas. 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 Dallas?
University of Houston is the larger of the two, with about 38,380 undergraduates against 21,751 at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Does University of Houston or The University of Texas at Dallas have a better graduation rate?
The University of Texas at Dallas has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 65% at University of Houston.
Do graduates of University of Houston or The University of Texas at Dallas earn more?
The University of Texas at Dallas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,227 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 Dallas 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 Dallas is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Houston and The University of Texas at Dallas look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1340 at University of Houston and 1160–1410 at The University of Texas at Dallas. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school