University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, TX

publicgraduate

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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

Born from the space race, UH-Clear Lake empowers the next generation of innovators.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) boasts a unique origin story, deeply intertwined with the pioneering spirit of space exploration. Established in 1974, its very inception was a direct response to the demand for advanced education from NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center and the burgeoning space-related industries in the Clear Lake area. What began with the University of Houston offering graduate courses to NASA employees quickly evolved into a vision for a dedicated institution, ultimately leading to the generous donation of land and the creation of a distinct degree-granting university.

From its foundational years, UHCL has been committed to serving the educational needs of a dynamic region. Initially focused on upper-division and graduate programs, the university took a significant step in 2014 by expanding its offerings to include freshman and sophomore classes, transforming into a comprehensive four-year institution. This growth reflects its dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education to a broader student population, preparing them for success in diverse fields.

Today, UHCL is a vibrant public university with a student body of nearly 9,000, upholding its legacy of academic rigor while fostering an engaging student experience. Its location near the historic Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) continues to infuse its academic environment with a sense of innovation and discovery, making it an inspiring place for students to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1974, directly serving the educational needs of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center personnel.
✦Began offering freshman and sophomore classes in Fall 2014, becoming a comprehensive four-year university.
✦Enrollment of 8,961 students, demonstrating significant growth and a thriving academic community.
✦Originally established with a generous land donation from Humble Oil and Friendswood Development Corp.
✦First-class day in 1974 welcomed 1,069 students and a charter faculty of 60 professors.

Timeline

1961

NASA announces Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) location in Clear Lake.

1964

University of Houston (UH) begins offering graduate courses to NASA employees at MSC.

1965

MSC Director Robert R. Gilruth formally requests a permanent educational facility in Clear Lake.

1968

Coordinating Board authorizes Clear Lake Graduate Center (CLGC) and calls for a stand-alone university.

1971

Texas Legislature passes House Bill 199, authorizing the creation of the University of Houston at Clear Lake City.

1972

The Clear Lake Graduate Center (CLGC) opens its doors.

1974

Bayou Building opens, and classes officially begin at the University of Houston at Clear Lake City (UH/CLC) with 1,069 students.

1977

The University of Houston System is established, including UH/CLC as a component institution.

1983

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

2011

Senate Bill 324 is signed into law, authorizing the university's downward expansion to include freshman and sophomore courses.

2014

University of Houston–Clear Lake begins offering freshman and sophomore classes.

🏛️

52 Years

of Excellence

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