University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, TX

publicgraduate

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

1974

Founded

Public university

Type

6,082

Total Students

6,488

Undergrad

2,473

Graduate

$34M

Endowment

$8K

Tuition (In-State)

$21K

Tuition (Out-State)

$11K

Avg Net Price

75%

Acceptance Rate

51%

Graduation Rate

6-year

75%

Retention Rate

Doctoral/Professional Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Houston-Clear Lake

UHCL: Born from NASA's vision, shaping future leaders in the Clear Lake area.

Nestled near the historic Manned Spacecraft Center, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is a vibrant public university with roots deeply intertwined with the nation's space endeavors. Its story began in the 1960s when NASA's presence created an urgent demand for advanced studies in physics, math, and engineering. What started as a dedicated graduate center offering courses to NASA employees quickly blossomed into a vision for a comprehensive academic institution.

Officially founded in 1974, UHCL initially catered to upper-division and graduate students, growing from a modest 1,069 students and 60 faculty members to a thriving educational hub. Its evolution was marked by significant milestones, including becoming a core component of the University of Houston System in 1977 and eventually expanding its offerings to include freshman and sophomore courses in Fall 2014, making it a full four-year institution.

Today, UHCL serves nearly 9,000 students, offering a diverse range of programs. Its enduring connection to the space industry and its strategic location continue to provide students with unique opportunities for research, internships, and career development. With a rich history of fostering talent for crucial industries, UHCL remains a cornerstone of education and innovation in the Clear Lake region.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1974, specifically to meet the demand for advanced education from NASA and related industries.
✦Began as a graduate and upper-division institution, expanding to offer freshman and sophomore courses in Fall 2014.
✦Serves 8,961 students as a public university, part of the respected University of Houston System since 1977.
✦Over 487 acres of its campus land were generously donated by Humble Oil and Friendswood Development Corp.
✦A direct outgrowth of the Manned Spacecraft Center's establishment, providing a unique historical foundation.

Timeline

1961

NASA announces Manned Spacecraft Center location near Clear Lake.

1964

University of Houston begins offering courses to NASA employees at MSC.

1965

MSC Director requests a permanent educational facility in the Clear Lake area.

1971

Texas Legislature authorizes the creation of the University of Houston at Clear Lake City.

1974

UH/CLC opens, with classes beginning for 1,069 students in the newly opened Bayou Building.

1977

The 65th Texas Legislature establishes the University of Houston System, including UH/CLC.

1983

University of Houston at Clear Lake City officially renamed University of Houston–Clear Lake.

2011

Senate Bill 324 passed, authorizing the university to offer freshman and sophomore courses.

2014

University begins offering freshman and sophomore classes, becoming a full four-year institution.

🏛️

52 Years

of Excellence

Find Scholarships at University of Houston-Clear Lake

Start Your Free Search