University of Houston-Clear Lake maintains strong affordability through controlled costs and generous financial aid targeting. The published cost of attendance totals $23,788 annually, including $21,330 in out-of-state tuition ($7,746 for Texas residents), $11,014 for room and board, and $1,026 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,622 |
| Tuition and Fees | $21,114 |
| Room and Board | $12,642 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,192 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,059 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,563 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,330 |
| $30–48k | $12,470 |
| $48–75k | $19,458 |
| $75–110k | $21,296 |
| $110k+ | $21,898 |
University of Houston-Clear Lake maintains strong affordability through controlled costs and generous financial aid targeting. The published cost of attendance totals $23,788 annually, including $21,330 in out-of-state tuition ($7,746 for Texas residents), $11,014 for room and board, and $1,026 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,056 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $12,732 from the sticker price.
This net price falls $3,037 below the peer median of $14,093, positioning UH-Clear Lake as more affordable than similar public institutions. The university's affordability index ranks at the 88.1st percentile nationally with strong tier performance, reflecting exceptional value relative to outcomes. Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $7,818 for families earning under $30,000 to $22,367 for those earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive aid targeting.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UH-Clear Lake maintains exceptional debt management with median student debt of $17,831, significantly below the peer median of $21,105—a difference of $3,274 that represents meaningful savings for graduates. Student debt levels range from $5,647 at the 25th percentile to $23,418 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 reflects highly manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, meaning typical graduates dedicate less than one-third of their first year's salary to total educational debt. This ratio falls well within sustainable ranges for long-term financial health.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $14,122 with monthly payments of $186, though this represents additional family borrowing beyond student loans. The university's strong performance at the 80th percentile for debt management reflects institutional effectiveness in controlling costs while maintaining educational quality.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UH-Clear Lake delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of controlled debt and strong earnings uplift. Graduates earn $15,134 beyond expectations at the 91.2nd percentile nationally, indicating exceptional value creation relative to student demographics and institutional characteristics.
Median earnings of $59,004 exceed the peer median of $50,116 by $8,888, while debt levels remain $3,274 below peer institutions. This combination creates a highly favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, supporting long-term financial stability and career flexibility.
The university's return index ranks at the 80.2nd percentile with strong tier performance, reflecting solid outcomes relative to educational investment. Low-income graduates earn $48,400, demonstrating meaningful economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
UH-Clear Lake demonstrates strong financial aid effectiveness through targeted support for students most in need. With 43.8% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a substantial population from lower-income backgrounds, well above typical rates for institutions with similar admission standards.
The $12,732 average financial aid savings reduces costs by more than half for most students, with particularly generous support for families earning under $48,000 annually. Net prices by income tier show progressive aid distribution, with the lowest-income students paying just $7,818 compared to $22,367 for highest earners.
This aid strategy supports the university's role as a Mobility Engine, converting educational access into strong post-graduation outcomes. The substantial aid reductions enable students from diverse economic backgrounds to complete bachelor's degrees without prohibitive debt accumulation, supporting the university's mission serving first-generation and transfer student populations in the Houston area.
