University of Houston: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

The University of Houston System comprises 4 universities, not campuses of a single institution, which makes it one of the most comprehensive higher education systems in the US (Texas). The system serves over 75,000 students and creates approximately 24,000 jobs.

Here are the different campuses and their key features:

1.University of Houston (Main Campus)The flagship institution is the largest university in Houston and the 3rd largest in Texas.

• New Freshmen: Over 6,200, marking a 10% increase from the previous year
• International Students: Approximately 11% of the student body, totaling over 5,000
• Academic Offerings: Over 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 15 colleges

2.University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL): The campus served 8,137 students last year. 

• Graduate Enrollment: 2,473 students
• Academic Offerings: Over 90 degree programs across 4 colleges
• Student-Faculty Ratio: Approximately 14:1
• International Students: 10% of the student body
• Campus Setting: Located within a 524-acre wildlife preserve

3.University of Houston-Downtown (UHD): UHD is the 2nd largest university in Houston and the most ethnically diverse university in Texas. 

• Enrollment: Approximately 12,000 UG and 1,700 Graduate students
• Academic Offerings: 45 bachelor's degrees and 12 master's degrees
• Online Programs: 17 undergraduate degree-completion programs available online
• Student Status: 44% full-time, 56% part-time

4.University of Houston-Victoria (UHV): The smallest campus with 3,568 students. It offers 50 academic programs. 

• Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Annual Financial Aid: $35 million (approximately ₹411 crore)
• Tuition & Fees: $9,141 annually for in-state undergraduates
• Campus Size: 20 acres in Victoria, with a satellite location in Katy

After exploring the features of the university campuses, let’s understand the University’s reputation through its global rankings.

The University of Houston is a top-tier institution with strong global recognition. It is ranked #556 in the QS Rankings 2026 and #401 in the THE Rankings 2025. Domestically, UH ranks #144 among national universities in the U.S. News rankings. These rankings reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its global impact.

Here’s how the University of Houston performs in global rankings.

Subject-specific performance helps you understand how UH excels in your chosen field. Let’s take a look at its performance in specific subjects.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

University of Houston's subject-wise rankings reflect its strong performance across various disciplines. Engineering courses are ranked #51, and Hospitality Management is placed at #34 in the QS Rankings, both within the top 100. 

Additionally, Nursing holds the #96 spot in the U.S. News rankings. However, the university’s performance in Medical & Health and Computer Science, both ranked between 401-500 in the THE Rankings, shows room for improvement.

Here are the different subject-wise rankings.

UH’s performance in rankings for programs like engineering and hospitality reflects its academic excellence and outcomes-based education. Now, let's explore its Admission requirements. 

The University of Houston’s admission rate is 70%, indicating a competitive admission process that involves a detailed review of applications. Programs in fields like computer science and MBA tend to have lower acceptance rates due to high demand.

Understanding the admission process and submitting required documents, such as your GPA score, will minimize the chances of rejection.

Below are the admission requirements and deadlines for the University of Houston.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements at the University of Houston include a minimum GPA score, as well as the submission of letters of recommendation. Students may be required to submit test scores like the ACT, SAT, or GMAT, depending on the program. 

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Once accepted, students will need to apply for a student visa.

Here are the admission requirements to study at the University of Houston.

Academic Qualification

Academic requirements usually include a high school diploma for undergraduate applicants or a bachelor's degree for graduate applicants. Students must submit academic transcripts as proof of study, along with additional documents like letters of recommendation. 

Programs like engineering may require prior study in relevant subjects to meet specific course prerequisites.

Here are the academic requirements.

Note: GRE scores should be sent directly by the testing agency to UH.

Next, let’s explore the language proficiency requirements for international students.

Language Proficiency

Students from international backgrounds must demonstrate English language proficiency levels through tests like TOEFL and the Duolingo English Test (DET). All students, regardless of citizenship status, must satisfy at least one of the following criteria. 

Here are the English language test requirements.

Note: Some courses have higher English language proficiency (ELP) requirements. Check the course page for exact details.

Next, let’s explore the competitive exams required for admission to the University of Houston.

Competitive Exams

Undergraduate students need to apply using SAT or ACT scores. For some master's programs in management, GRE or GMAT scores are required. However, programs like computer science do not require the GRE.

Here are the competitive exams required.

Finally, let’s discuss the visa requirements for students planning to study at the University of Houston.

Visa Requirements

Once you receive your official letter of acceptance from the university, you can begin the U.S. student visa application process. However, it’s advisable to have key documents handy, such as proof of financial support and a copy of your passport. Depending on your case, you may also be required to attend a visa interview.

Here are the US study visa requirements.

Now, let’s move on to the intakes and application deadlines for admissions to the University of Houston.

US universities generally have 3 intakes: fall, summer, and spring. Undergraduate students can apply for the upcoming early action decisions. The deadline for early action applications is November 1, 2025.

Here are the admission deadlines at the University of Houston.

Note: For international students, there is an Application Fee of $90 (INR 7,716)

Application deadlines for graduate programs vary. Please refer to the specific program page for exact dates.

After exploring the admission process and deadlines, let’s check out some popular programs.

Students can explore over 148 degree programs, including 280 graduate programs, across various fields like humanities, health sciences, and food science. In addition to well-known programs like the MBA, UH also offers emerging courses in areas such as mechanical engineering, law, and other fields. 

Below are some popular programs offered at the University of Houston.

After exploring some popular programs offered by the University of Houston, let’s find out the fees for different programs.

Understanding the total cost, such as tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, helps you choose which universities fit your budget. 

The total cost of studying in the US at UH can be anywhere between $57,946 (INR 49.33L) for UG and $79,422 (INR 68.09L) for Graduation. 

Here is the breakdown of the cost:

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Apart from tuition fees, you have to consider other costs such as accommodation, living expenses, and course materials.

The average cost of living in the U.S. depends on your lifestyle choices and location. For on-campus students, it is around $76,874 (INR 66.1L), while off-campus living costs around $65,174 (INR 56.1L). These figures can vary depending on inflation rates.

Below are the additional expenses involved.

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Students can reduce the cost of studying through both internal and external scholarships. Let’s explore the Scholarships to study in USA.

In the USA, private scholarships are awarded annually, amounting to $35M (INR 4.11B), with many provided by universities. 

To be eligible for a scholarship, UG students must have completed 12 UH credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. For graduate students, eligibility requires the completion of 9 UH credit hours and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Below is a breakdown of the internal and external scholarships for MS in the USA and others.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships at the University of Houston are funded through the university’s resources and endowments. As a student, you can apply for the Trustees Scholarship, which offers $16,000 (INR 13.6L), and the Indy Scholars, which offers $5,000 (INR 3.4L).

Here are some of the University’s internal scholarships for international students to study in the USA for free.

Note: The application is currently closed and will open in January 2026.

Apart from university scholarships, you can also explore external scholarships to reduce the cost of living.

External Scholarships

Students can also explore external scholarships offered by foundations and governments. For example, the Fulbright Scholarship covers the full cost of studying in the U.S, while the Inlaks Scholarship covers the tuition fees and cost of living.

Here are some external scholarships available.

Now that you’ve explored financial aid options through scholarships, let’s take a look at placement outcomes at the University of Houston.

The University of Houston provides placement services to help students transition smoothly from academics to their professional careers. One notable example is the Bauer College of Business, where 82% of BBA graduates accepted job offers, with an impressive average starting salary of $70,472/INR 60.38L.

Here’s the process of placement at the University of Houston for some of the highest-paying jobs in the world. 

• Cougar Pathway: This centralized platform allows students and alumni to schedule appointments, access job postings, and connect with employers
• Career Counseling: UCS provides both individual and group counseling to assist students in career planning and job search strategies.
• On-Campus Recruiting: UH hosts recruitment events and career fairs, facilitating direct interaction between students and potential employers.
• Resume and Interview Preparation: Students can receive guidance on crafting resumes and preparing for interviews to enhance their employability. 
• Graduation Survey: UCS collects data on the employment status of graduates, providing insights into career outcomes.
• Bauer College of Business: The Rockwell Career Center reports that 82% of BBA graduates had accepted job offers, with an average starting salary of $70,472/INR 60.38L.
• Graduate Programs: Employment statistics for graduate programs, such as the MBA, are also available, showcasing the effectiveness of UH's career services.

Next, let’s look at the top companies hiring graduates from the University of Houston.

Top Recruiters

One of the top recruiters at the University of Houston is Dell Technologies, which offers positions in sales, marketing, and technical support. Dell actively engages with UH students through the Bauer College of Business's Rockwell Career Center, providing students with excellent opportunities in the tech industry. 

These competencies make UH graduates highly suited for a variety of roles, including marketing manager and data analyst.

Positions listed in the Bauer Career Gateway system are posted for 30 days.

Here is a list of top companies:

• Academy Sports + Outdoors: Offers positions in retail management, marketing, and operations.
• CITGO: Provides roles in engineering, operations, and business development. 
• Dell Technologies: Recruits for positions in sales, marketing, and technical support.
• Fidelity: Seeks candidates for financial advising, investment analysis, and client services.
• H-E-B: Offers roles in supply chain management, human resources, and store operations.
• Mattress Firm: Provides positions in sales, logistics, and customer service.
• TDECU: Recruits for roles in banking, financial analysis, and customer relations
• The Hershey Company: Offers positions in marketing, supply chain, and brand management.
• Uniqlo USA: Seeks candidates for retail management, merchandising, and operations. 

Now that you know the top recruiters at the University of Houston, let’s understand the internship process and how it improves employability.

Internship & Co-op Opportunities at the University of Houston

Individuals with internship experience are 25% more likely to secure a full-time position within 6 months of graduation compared to those without.

The University of Houston offers structured internship and co-op programs across multiple colleges, enabling students to gain paid, credit-bearing, and non-credit work experience directly related to their fields of study.

Here’s how you can benefit from this program.

• Cooperative Education Program (Co-op): Offers documented, transcribed work experience after 2 semesters of study. Available in fields like engineering, business, and government. Requires a work report each semester for non-credit grading.
• Engineering Career Center Internships: Provides short-term paid "Micro-Internships" and semester-long placements. Open to all UH students and recent graduates. 
• Bauer College of Business Internships: Offers semester-long, supervised internships related to business majors, with both credit and non-credit options. 
• Hobby School of Public Affairs Internships: Includes full-time summer internships in government offices (Harris Fellows) and legislative internships in Austin (Hobby Fellows).
• Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP): Provides government internships in municipal, county, state, or federal offices. Open to juniors, seniors, and post-baccalaureate students, offering 3 hours of political science credit for 8 hours/week of work.

Next, let’s explore some popular alumni from the UH.

The University has a strong network of over 600,000 alumni, spread across 140 countries and all 50 states in the U.S. These alumni have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields, from science and technology to leadership roles in business.

Here are some popular alumni from the University of Houston.

Finally, let’s see how the University of Houston performs compared to similar universities.

Comparing similar universities can help you understand tuition fees, course offerings, and average salaries, enabling you to make future decisions.

For instance, the University of Houston is ranked #556 in the QS ranking 2026, compared to the #591 position of the Illinois Institute of Technology. However, Central Washington University does not rank in the QS, but it ranks regionally at #35 in the West category. 

Below is a comparison of the University of Houston and other top universities.

The University of Houston is growing its reputation by focusing on delivering excellent academic programs and real-world experience. 

With a focus on preparing students for the workforce, it’s a suitable choice for those looking to combine solid academics with hands-on learning opportunities.

The average tuition fee in the US is $33,656 (INR 28.85L), depending on whether it's a master's course or a bachelor's course. An MS at the University of Houston costs $50,700 (INR 43.46L).

Below are the costs for different programs at UH.

Note: 

• Fees may vary for specific courses. Please check the official University website for the latest information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Now that you've explored popular courses and fees, let's examine the cost of studying at the University of Houston.