University of Houston Tuition and Fees

By Jennifer Calonia

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

Those seeking a research institution that offers strong programs in psychology, biology, business, and engineering, among others, may be interested in the University of Houston (UH). The institution’s national research centers are highly ranked, and the fact that the University of Houston ranks top 10 in the country for entrepreneurship will likely be appealing to business students.

Total Cost of Attendance

Here’s a closer look at what it costs to study at the University of Houston. Tuition in 2023-24 was $9,717 for in-state students, which is below the national average of $11,260. For students who live out of state, UH tuition was $22,547. This is below the national average of $29,150, making it a potentially affordable option.

Financial Aid

Many students get University of Houston financial aid. To help cover the University of Houston cost, 83% of students receive some type of financial aid. This UH financial aid may include grants, University of Houston scholarships, and loans.

Explore financial aid options: Texas Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  U.S. Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  Scholarship Search Tool

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

To help cover University of Houston tuition, 35% of students have federal student loans, typically in the amount of $4,971, and 5% have private student loans averaging $14,976.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The University of Houston cost over four years would be $111,044 for an in-state student, based on 2024-25 tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses. This is just under the national average of $115,360. For those who are out-of-state residents, the four-year University of Houston cost would be $162,364. This is a chunk less than the national average of $186,920.

Here’s some Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In the 2024-25 school year, the cost of UH tuition and fees, and room and board for Texas residents was $20,951. Out-of-state students paid $33,781.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

*Does not include book costs, which are additional.

The cost for in-state residents pursuing a graduate degree was $9,019 for University of Houston tuition and fees in the 2024-25 academic year. Nonresident graduate students paid $18,199 for the same year. On average, the national average cost of a master’s degree program per year for a public school is $10,320 and $15,100 at a private nonprofit university.

There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

In school year 2025-25, the cost per semester credit hour for liberal arts students (other studies’ costs may vary) who are Texas residents is $361.86 and $896.46 for nonresidents.

Campus Housing Expenses

At UH, freshmen are not required to live on campus. However, those who do wish to reside on campus can choose from nine residential options offered by the university.

Another option for all students is off-campus housing. Renting an apartment in the city of Houston averages $1,274 for a studio apartment, according to RentCafe. Just keep in mind that an off-campus lease agreement might require a 12-month commitment.

University of Houston Acceptance Rate

Along with the University of Houston ranking, prospective students will likely want to know about the school’s acceptance rate. With a rate of 70%, the school is moderately selective.

Admission Requirements

Students interested in attending UH must meet the following admissions requirements.

Required:

•  High school GPA

•  High school transcript

•  High school rank

•  Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL), if necessary

Recommended:

•  Letter of recommendation

•  Personal statement

•  Work experience, if applicable

SAT and ACT Scores

Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are not required by the University of Houston. However, if test scores are provided, they will be considered. Approximately 51% of applicants submit their SAT scores and 7% submit their ACT scores. For reference, these are scores at the 25th and 75th percentile.

Popular Majors at University of Houston

Students attending the University of Houston can choose from 110 majors across the institution’s 16 academic colleges and schools. Below are the top majors.

1. Psychology

Students pursuing a degree in psychology study human cognitive processes throughout life, as well as research processes. The program prepares them to work in social services, business, and other roles within the public and private sectors.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 693

2. Finance

Finance majors can choose a standard track, which focuses on the theory and application of finance, or one of the four finance specialty tracks that focus on their preferred area of interest, from global energy management to real estate.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 381

3. Computer and Information Sciences

A bachelor’s in computer information systems is available through the university’s Sugar Land campus only. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, and teaches students a theoretical curriculum and how to apply that knowledge.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 350

4. Biology/Biological Sciences

To earn a Bachelor of Science, biology majors take core courses in subjects like chemistry and physics, as well as classes in cellular biology, biochemistry, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 337

5. Management Information Systems

Students who are interested in a career as a business analyst, project manager, or other vital technological role in business, can enroll in UH’s MIS program. Courses include System Analysis and Design, IT Project Management, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 327

6. Marketing/Marketing Management

Marketing students learn how to perform market research and analysis, along with advertising and promotion. This helps prepare them for careers in business, digital marketing, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 315

7. Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Those interested in an exercise science degree can choose between the health profession option or the primary option. The former prepares students to apply for professional physical therapy programs, while the latter is designed for students seeking a professional program in other fields, like occupational therapy and wellness.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 307

8. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies

A multi- or interdisciplinary studies degree allows students to pursue an academic curriculum that supports their unique career goals. They’re taught broad topics and learn to develop key skill sets for the workplace.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 269

9. Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management

A curriculum in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology teaches students how to manage materials and services in the supply chain industry. Classes include Logistic Technology & Processes, Transportation Law, and Quality Systems.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 257

10. Accounting

At UH’s C.T. Bauer College of Business, accounting students learn how to document, analyze and communicate financial information. They also learn the accounting and financial concepts that are essential foundations of business.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 239

Graduation Rate

These are the graduation rates at University of Houston:

•  4 years: 45%

•  6 years: 65%

•  8 years: 65%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Graduates of the University of Houston earn a median salary that’s slightly lower than the national average. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, UH graduates earn $62,000. By comparison, the national average earnings of a four-year college graduate is $68,516 for 2024 graduates.