Students at the University of Houston earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the stronger earnings advantages among public universities nationwide.
Graduates achieve meaningful financial outcomes that place the school in the top tier for both expected earnings and actual long-term success.
Azimuth ranks the University of Houston 77th out of approximately 350 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 22% for overall value. What distinguishes UH is its exceptional ability to serve a diverse student body while delivering consistently strong financial outcomes. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 40% being first-generation college students, the university provides broad access without compromising on results.
Graduates earn a median of $62,377 ten years after enrollment, with the university ranking in the top 23% nationally for long-term earnings. More impressive still, UH students earn about $7,400 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the stronger earnings advantages among public universities. This performance spans across the university's diverse academic portfolio, from business and engineering to psychology and the sciences.
As a large public research university anchored in Houston's dynamic economy, UH combines the resources of a major metropolitan institution with genuine accessibility. The university's designation as a "Mobility Engine" reflects its rare ability to open doors widely while consistently converting that access into meaningful economic advancement for students from all backgrounds.
The University of Houston offers a comprehensive range of programs that prepare students for success across Houston's diverse economy. Business Administration leads in aggregate return, combining high enrollment of 391 graduates with solid median earnings of $50,804, making it a cornerstone program that connects students to the city's extensive corporate sector. Psychology represents the university's largest major with 566 graduates, providing foundational preparation for careers in counseling, human resources, and graduate study, though early-career earnings of $33,001 reflect the field's typical trajectory toward mid-career growth.
Engineering programs deliver some of UH's strongest individual outcomes, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $74,576 early in their careers. This reflects Houston's position as a major hub for energy, technology, and aerospace industries that actively recruit UH engineering talent. Even programs with more modest early earnings, like Biology with its 346 graduates earning $23,233, serve important pipeline functions for students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, research, and health sciences.
The university's program mix reflects Houston's economic diversity, preparing students for careers ranging from corporate leadership and engineering to healthcare and education. This breadth, combined with strong employer connections throughout the metropolitan area, helps explain why UH graduates consistently achieve earnings beyond expectations across multiple fields of study.
The University of Houston delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates across a wide range of academic programs. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $62,377, placing the university in the top 23% nationally for earnings performance. What makes UH particularly compelling is that graduates earn approximately $7,400 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating meaningful earnings beyond expectations that rank among the strongest advantages in public higher education.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, reflecting UH's comprehensive academic portfolio. Business Administration stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, combining strong enrollment of 391 graduates with solid median earnings of $50,804. Psychology represents the university's largest program with 566 graduates earning around $33,001 early in their careers, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $74,576 for its 91 graduates. Even Biology, despite lower early-career earnings of $23,233, provides a foundation for many students pursuing advanced degrees in health sciences and research fields.
The university's location in Houston, a major economic hub with diverse industries ranging from energy and healthcare to technology and aerospace, provides graduates with extensive career opportunities. This metropolitan advantage helps explain why UH students consistently outperform earnings expectations, as they benefit from robust local employer networks and internship opportunities that translate into strong post-graduation outcomes.
The University of Houston maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay approximately $10,327 annually in net price, well below national averages for public research universities. Middle-income families face net costs around $12,613 per year, while even higher-income students see predictable pricing at $22,969 annually, providing transparency that helps families plan effectively over four years.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes UH graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is about $18,194, a reasonable amount given the university's median graduate earnings of over $62,000 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,332, reflecting moderate family contributions that don't create excessive burden for most households. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes UH particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable upfront costs with strong long-term earning power. The university's ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations means that most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building wealth over time. This balance of affordability and outcomes makes UH an especially strong value proposition for families seeking both access and financial security.
University Of Houston Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
