University of Houston

Moderately. UH admits about 76% of applicants, roughly 26,300 from a pool of 34,700, so it is attainable for solid Texas students. Enrolled first-years average a 3.46 high school GPA, and the university weighs GPA and test scores as its most important factors. Competitive programs like Bauer business and engineering hold higher internal standards than the overall rate.

Enrolled first-years average a 3.46 high school GPA, and UH rates academic GPA and test scores as its two most important factors. For the students who submit scores, the middle 50% scored 1140–1310 on the SAT and 22–28 on the ACT. UH is test-optional, so a strong, rigorous transcript can drive an application on its own.

Texas residents are admitted at a higher rate than out-of-state applicants. For Fall 2025, UH admitted about 78% of in-state applicants and 62% of out-of-state applicants, while international applicants were admitted at roughly 85%. The university draws about 97% of its first-years from Texas, so out-of-state students are a small share of the class.

Yes. UH is test-optional, and applicants decide whether their SAT or ACT scores are used in the review. About 55% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT and 7% an ACT. Among those who tested, the middle 50% scored 1140–1310 on the SAT and 22–28 on the ACT.

Annual tuition and required fees run about $11,888 for Texas residents and $27,776 for out-of-state students. Around 63% of first-years receive need-based aid, with an average package near $16,161. Through the Cougar Promise program, UH covers tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying students from families earning up to $65,000, with additional support up to $125,000.

Business and marketing is by far the largest field at about 29% of bachelor's degrees, anchored by the C. T. Bauer College of Business. Computer and information sciences, psychology, and engineering follow, and UH is also known for its Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership and its College of Optometry.

Somewhat. UH lists the application essay as a factor it considers, below academic GPA and test scores in its review. The essay is not the deciding piece for most applicants, but a clear, specific statement can help borderline cases and strengthens applications to selective programs and scholarships.

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