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University of Houston-Downtown vs Texas Christian University

University of Houston-Downtown is a public university in Houston, TX. Texas Christian University is a private university in Fort Worth, TX. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants and University of Houston-Downtown about 90%, making Texas Christian University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,542 a year at University of Houston-Downtown after aid, and about $36,660 at Texas Christian University. About 86% of students graduate at Texas Christian University, compared with 33% at University of Houston-Downtown. Ten years after enrolling, Texas Christian University alumni earn a median of about $68,424, against $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown.

University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Houston, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,555
11,026
Acceptance rate
90%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1110
1140–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,542
$36,660
Full cost / yr
$20,749
$76,604
In-state tuition
$7,708
$61,740
Out-of-state tuition
$17,548
$61,740
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,439
$17,956
$30k - $48k
$10,048
$16,980
$48k - $75k
$11,247
$17,940
$75k - $110k
$15,488
$34,990
Over $110k
$19,380
$53,450
Outcomes
Graduation rate
33%
86%
Freshman retention
67%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,120
$60,435
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,551
$68,424
Median debt at graduation
$18,750
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
14%
First-generation students
53%
20%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jul 31
Feb 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-Downtown or Texas Christian University harder to get into?
Texas Christian University is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 90% at University of Houston-Downtown. 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-Downtown or Texas Christian University?
University of Houston-Downtown is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,542 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,660 at Texas Christian 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-Downtown and Texas Christian University?
Before aid, University of Houston-Downtown costs about $20,749 a year and Texas Christian University about $76,604. 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-Downtown or Texas Christian University?
University of Houston-Downtown. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,439 there, against about $17,956 at Texas Christian University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Houston-Downtown or Texas Christian University?
University of Houston-Downtown is the larger of the two, with about 12,555 undergraduates against 11,026 at Texas Christian University.
Does University of Houston-Downtown or Texas Christian University have a better graduation rate?
Texas Christian University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 33% at University of Houston-Downtown.
Do graduates of University of Houston-Downtown or Texas Christian University earn more?
Texas Christian University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,424 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-Downtown and Texas Christian University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Houston-Downtown is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Texas Christian University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Houston-Downtown and Texas Christian University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1110 at University of Houston-Downtown and 1140–1350 at Texas Christian 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school