Students at the University of Houston-Downtown achieve earnings that significantly exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $12,766 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
The university combines exceptional access for low-income and first-generation students with mobility outcomes that rank in the top tier nationally.
The University of Houston-Downtown serves as a prime example of how public universities can deliver strong value through accessibility and practical career preparation. With more than half of students receiving Pell Grants and 53% being first-generation college students, UHD opens its doors widely while maintaining solid long-term outcomes. The university's location in downtown Houston provides direct access to internships, co-ops, and career opportunities across one of America's most diverse and economically dynamic metropolitan areas.
Graduates earn a median of $53,551 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong performance in technology and business fields. What makes UHD especially noteworthy is its ability to generate earnings beyond expectations—graduates earn about $12,766 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide. This earnings advantage reflects both the university's practical curriculum and Houston's robust job market across energy, healthcare, technology, and finance sectors.
As a large public university with a 26% transfer-in rate, UHD serves as an important pathway for students starting at community colleges or changing career directions. The combination of affordable net prices, strong support for working students, and direct connections to Houston's economy makes UHD a compelling choice for students who want clear, measurable returns on their educational investment without taking on excessive debt or navigating highly selective admissions processes.
The University of Houston-Downtown's program portfolio reflects its mission as a practical, career-focused institution serving Houston's diverse economy. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies leads enrollment with 741 graduates earning median salaries of $45,142, providing flexible degree paths for working adults and students with diverse career goals. This program's large scale demonstrates UHD's commitment to serving non-traditional students who need customizable academic pathways.
Technology programs deliver the strongest early-career earnings, with Artificial Intelligence graduates earning around $57,318 as they enter Houston's growing tech sector. Business programs like Accounting Technology, with 252 graduates earning about $44,064, prepare students for stable, in-demand roles across Houston's extensive corporate landscape. These programs benefit from direct connections to local employers and internship opportunities throughout the metropolitan area.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical skills and direct workforce preparation rather than theoretical study. This approach aligns well with Houston's economy, where energy companies, healthcare systems, financial services, and technology firms actively recruit graduates with applied skills and real-world experience. UHD's downtown location provides students with immediate access to internships, co-ops, and networking opportunities that enhance career prospects across multiple industries.
University of Houston-Downtown graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $53,551, with the university delivering an impressive earnings advantage of about $12,766 compared with similar students at other institutions nationwide. This earnings beyond expectations performance places UHD among institutions that genuinely add value to their graduates' career trajectories, reflecting both the practical focus of academic programs and Houston's diverse, high-opportunity job market.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from technology and business programs. Artificial Intelligence graduates earn around $57,318 early in their careers, demonstrating UHD's ability to prepare students for high-demand tech roles. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, the university's largest program with 741 graduates, produces median earnings of $45,142 while serving students who need flexible, customizable degree paths. Accounting Technology graduates earn about $44,064, reflecting steady demand for financial professionals in Houston's business community. These programs collectively show how UHD balances accessibility with career-focused education that translates directly into employment opportunities.
Houston's cost of living runs slightly below the national average, which means UHD graduates' earnings provide stronger purchasing power locally than similar salaries would in more expensive metropolitan areas. The city's diverse economy—spanning energy, healthcare, aerospace, and technology—creates multiple pathways for career advancement, helping explain why UHD graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations over time.
The University of Houston-Downtown maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay about $13,486 annually in net price, well below what most public universities charge, while middle-income families see costs around $16,332 per year. Even higher-income families pay a reasonable $22,498, reflecting UHD's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
The university's debt structure supports long-term financial health for graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is about $18,750, a manageable level given UHD's median graduate earnings of $53,551 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,232, indicating that many families can cover substantial costs through grants, work-study, and personal contributions rather than relying heavily on parent loans. With a 0% federal loan default rate, UHD demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational debt obligations.
What makes UHD particularly sustainable is how well its pricing aligns with post-graduation earning capacity. The combination of moderate debt levels and solid long-term earnings means most graduates can handle standard loan repayment without financial strain. Houston's relatively affordable cost of living further supports graduates' ability to manage educational debt while building financial stability in their early careers.
University Of Houston-Downtown Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
