University Of Houston-Downtown

University Of Houston-Downtown admits 90.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This open-access admission policy places University Of Houston-Downtown among the most accessible four-year institutions nationally, with admission rates in the top 8% for accessibility.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that even among similar institutions, University Of Houston-Downtown maintains exceptionally broad access to higher education. This level of accessibility means that most students with basic college preparation can expect admission, though academic preparation still matters for success once enrolled.

Students should view University Of Houston-Downtown as a reliable option for college access while focusing their application preparation on demonstrating readiness for college-level coursework. The university's mission emphasizes serving diverse student populations, including transfer students (63.6% of enrollment) and first-generation college students (52.7% of enrollment).

For students seeking guaranteed access to higher education with strong post-graduation economic outcomes, University Of Houston-Downtown represents an excellent combination of accessibility and value. Prospective students should concentrate on academic preparation for success rather than admission strategy, as the institution's open-access policy removes typical admission barriers.

University Of Houston-Downtown's published cost of attendance is $23,017 per year, consisting of $17,788 in out-of-state tuition (in-state residents pay $7,708), minimal room and board costs reflecting the commuter-focused student body, and $1,296 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $14,623 after financial aid, representing $8,394 in savings from the published price.

This net price positions the university close to peer institutions, with costs $967 above the peer median of $15,590. The university's financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with low-income students receiving the most substantial support.

Net prices range from $13,486 for families earning under $30,000 annually to $22,498 for families earning over $110,000, creating a progressive cost structure that supports accessibility for lower-income students. The moderate cost structure combined with strong earnings beyond expectations creates favorable return on investment dynamics, particularly for students from families with limited financial resources.

University Of Houston-Downtown's urban location and commuter focus help control living costs compared to residential institutions, contributing to overall affordability for regional students.

University Of Houston-Downtown graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth and strong economic mobility outcomes. Median earnings increase from $49,120 six years after enrollment to $50,849 at eight years and $53,551 at ten years, representing 9.0% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 5,025 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $12,765 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing University Of Houston-Downtown in the 88.9th percentile for earnings uplift performance.

This significant positive difference reflects the university's effectiveness in helping students achieve economic advancement beyond what demographic and academic preparation would typically predict. Low-income graduates earn $45,900, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds who comprise over half the student body.

Earnings outcomes span from $30,812 at the 25th percentile to $72,505 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the diversity of career paths and program choices available. Approximately 24.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

University Of Houston-Downtown offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies ranks #11 nationally and #3 in Texas, graduating 741 students with median earnings of $53,235 and an exceptional value score of 88.2.

Artificial Intelligence ranks #98 nationally and #10 in Texas, producing 106 graduates with the highest median earnings of $78,762. Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping ranks #108 nationally and #10 in Texas, graduating 252 students with median earnings of $60,344 and a strong value score of 61.1.

Corrections Administration ranks #51 nationally and #2 in Texas, graduating 223 students with median earnings of $50,850 and a value score of 73.8. Business Administration and Management graduates 174 students annually with median earnings of $60,148.

The university's largest programs demonstrate both scale and quality, with flagship programs serving substantial student populations while maintaining competitive outcomes and strong value scores across multiple fields.