Quick Summary
University of Houston is a public research university founded in 1927, located in Houston, United States. Ranked #781-790 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 46700 students including 8.5% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Hotel Management, Business Administration, it maintains an acceptance rate of 66%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier R1 research institution in the energy capital of the world; highly diverse student body and strong ties to industry leadership.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringHotel ManagementBusiness AdministrationPharmacyOptometryEnergy Law
Founded1927
TypePublic Research University
Total Students46700
Intl Students8.5%
Faculty Ratio21:1
CampusUrban
Campus Size667 acres
Affiliated HospitalsTexas Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Hospital
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#781-790
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
276 degree programs across 16 academic colleges
Programs
47 doctoral degrees
PhD Programs
UH Online offers 50+ bachelor's and master's degrees fully online
Online Programs
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute, Texas Center for Superconductivity, Texas Industrial Energy Efficiency Program
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate66%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA3
GRERequired for most graduate programs
GMATRequired for Bauer College of Business graduate programs
SAT1160-1320
ACT24-29
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 2
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on a strong personal statement for holistic review; ensure transcripts are evaluated early if international; consider test-optional pathways if GPA is high.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$27,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$15,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$18,500/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$75
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$43,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAcademic Excellence Scholarship, Tier One Scholarship, Cougar Promise, Cullen Leadership Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidFederal Pell Grants, FAFSA, TASFA, Work-Study
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 276 degree programs across 16 academic colleges programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Marketing | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Psychology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Hospitality Management | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$62,500
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong placement through University Career Services and proximity to the Energy Corridor
Industry Connections
ExxonMobilNASA Johnson Space CenterChevronTexas Medical Center
Notable Alumni
Matthew McConaughey, Elizabeth Warren, Jim Nantz, Hakeem Olajuwon, Carl Lewis
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
TDECU Stadium, Fertitta Center, CRWC Natatorium, Baseball Field
Student Clubs
400+ student organizations and 28 fraternities/sororities
Library Resources
M.D. Anderson Library, Architecture and Art Library, Music Library, Law Library
Exchange Programs
Learning Abroad partnerships in 30+ countries
Summer Programs
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), Bridge Programs