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University of Houston acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as UH

University of Houston accepts 74% of applicants. It is a public university in Houston, Texas, with about 38,380 undergraduates. The sticker price is $21,003 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $11,439.

74%Acceptance rate
1160–1340Middle 50% SAT
23–29Middle 50% ACT
$11,439Average cost after aid / year
66%Graduation rate
$58,252Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for UH?

Admitly estimates a typical Texas resident needs about a 3.1 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.5 for admission to be likely (80%+).

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into University of Houston by GPA

Guaranteed for the top 10%: Texas high school graduates in the top 10% of their class are admitted automatically, whatever their GPA or test scores (rule checked October 2026, for fall 2027 entry). Houston also admits applicants with a 3.5 core GPA (as Houston calculates it) or a 1250 SAT / 26 ACT. The table below is for everyone else.

Assumes an SAT of 1235, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPATexas residentOut-of-state
Top 10% of classGuaranteedTexas students only
2.531% Target12% Reach
2.731% Target12% Reach
3.046% Target20% Reach
3.369% Target39% Target
3.580% Likely55% Target
3.788% Likely69% Target
3.993% Likely81% Likely
4.095% Likely84% Likely

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at University of Houston

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $21,003 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$8,500$19,300
$50k – $100k$8,500$19,300
$100k – $150k$13,800$24,600
$150k – $250k$21,000$33,600
Over $250k$21,000$33,700

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

66%Finish their degree
87%Return for second year
$58,252Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about University of Houston

What is the acceptance rate at University of Houston?

University of Houston admits 74% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into University of Houston?

Admitly estimates a typical Texas resident needs about a 3.1 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.5 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of Houston?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1160–1340 on the SAT and 23–29 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does University of Houston cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $21,003 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $11,439 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $8,500 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at University of Houston?

66% of students finish their degree, and 87% return for a second year.

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