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University of Houston-Clear Lake vs University of Houston-Downtown

University of Houston-Clear Lake is a public university in Houston, TX, and University of Houston-Downtown is a public university in Houston, TX. University of Houston-Downtown is the more selective of the two, admitting about 90% of applicants against 91% at University of Houston-Clear Lake. University of Houston-Downtown is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,542 a year against $15,563 at University of Houston-Clear Lake. About 51% of students graduate at University of Houston-Clear Lake, compared with 33% at University of Houston-Downtown. Ten years after enrolling, University of Houston-Clear Lake alumni earn a median of about $59,004, against $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown.

University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, TX · Public

University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,078
12,555
Acceptance rate
91%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1150
940–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,563
$10,542
Full cost / yr
$24,622
$20,749
In-state tuition
$7,770
$7,708
Out-of-state tuition
$21,114
$17,548
Application fee
$45
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,330
$9,439
$30k - $48k
$12,470
$10,048
$48k - $75k
$19,458
$11,247
$75k - $110k
$21,296
$15,488
Over $110k
$21,898
$19,380
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
33%
Freshman retention
74%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,098
$49,120
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,004
$53,551
Median debt at graduation
$17,831
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
55%
First-generation students
48%
53%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
Jul 31

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-Clear Lake or University of Houston-Downtown harder to get into?
University of Houston-Downtown is harder to get into. It admits about 90% of applicants, compared with 91% at University of Houston-Clear Lake. 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-Clear Lake or University of Houston-Downtown?
University of Houston-Downtown is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,542 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,563 at University of Houston-Clear Lake. 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-Clear Lake and University of Houston-Downtown?
Before aid, University of Houston-Downtown costs about $20,749 a year and University of Houston-Clear Lake about $24,622. 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-Clear Lake or University of Houston-Downtown?
University of Houston-Clear Lake. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,330 there, against about $9,439 at University of Houston-Downtown. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Houston-Clear Lake or University of Houston-Downtown?
University of Houston-Downtown is the larger of the two, with about 12,555 undergraduates against 6,078 at University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Does University of Houston-Clear Lake or University of Houston-Downtown have a better graduation rate?
University of Houston-Clear Lake has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 33% at University of Houston-Downtown.
Do graduates of University of Houston-Clear Lake or University of Houston-Downtown earn more?
University of Houston-Clear Lake alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,004 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Houston-Clear Lake and University of Houston-Downtown require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Houston-Clear Lake is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Houston-Downtown is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Houston-Clear Lake and University of Houston-Downtown look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1150 at University of Houston-Clear Lake and 940–1110 at University of Houston-Downtown. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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