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University of Houston-Downtown vs University of St Thomas

University of Houston-Downtown is a public university in Houston, TX. University of St Thomas is a private university in Houston, TX. Both admit about 90% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $10,542 a year at University of Houston-Downtown after aid, and about $19,359 at University of St Thomas. About 69% of students graduate at University of St Thomas, compared with 33% at University of Houston-Downtown. Ten years after enrolling, University of St Thomas alumni earn a median of about $59,224, against $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown.

University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public

University of St Thomas

Houston, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,555
3,220
Acceptance rate
90%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1110
980–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,542
$19,359
Full cost / yr
$20,749
$45,672
In-state tuition
$7,708
$34,634
Out-of-state tuition
$17,548
$34,634
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,439
$18,441
$30k - $48k
$10,048
$17,453
$48k - $75k
$11,247
$17,972
$75k - $110k
$15,488
$21,543
Over $110k
$19,380
$26,086
Outcomes
Graduation rate
33%
69%
Freshman retention
67%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,120
$49,971
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,551
$59,224
Median debt at graduation
$18,750
$19,928
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
42%
First-generation students
53%
38%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 31
Jan 15

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 University of St Thomas harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 90% of applicants. 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 University of St Thomas?
University of Houston-Downtown is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,542 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,359 at University of St Thomas. 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 University of St Thomas?
Before aid, University of Houston-Downtown costs about $20,749 a year and University of St Thomas about $45,672. 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 University of St Thomas?
University of Houston-Downtown. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,439 there, against about $18,441 at University of St Thomas. 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 University of St Thomas?
University of Houston-Downtown is the larger of the two, with about 12,555 undergraduates against 3,220 at University of St Thomas.
Does University of Houston-Downtown or University of St Thomas have a better graduation rate?
University of St Thomas has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 33% at University of Houston-Downtown.
Do graduates of University of Houston-Downtown or University of St Thomas earn more?
University of St Thomas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,224 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 University of St Thomas require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Houston-Downtown is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of St Thomas is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Houston-Downtown and University of St Thomas look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1110 at University of Houston-Downtown and 980–1210 at University of St Thomas. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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