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, UHCL offers a dynamic learning experience near NASA.

Emerging from the groundbreaking era of space exploration, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) was established with a singular purpose: to meet the academic demands of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center and the burgeoning space industry in the Clear Lake area. What began in 1964 as graduate courses offered by the University of Houston to NASA employees quickly evolved into a vision for a dedicated educational institution, fostering innovation right where space history was being made.

Officially founded in 1974, UHCL opened its doors with a pioneering spirit, initially focusing on upper-division and graduate programs. Its campus grew on land generously donated by Humble Oil and Friendswood Development Corp., setting the stage for its distinct identity. This unique origin story highlights UHCL's commitment to cutting-edge education, deeply intertwined with the region's scientific and technological advancements.

Today, UHCL stands as a vibrant public university serving a diverse student body of nearly 9,000 individuals. Expanding from its initial graduate and upper-division focus, the university welcomed its first freshman and sophomore classes in 2014, becoming a comprehensive four-year institution. Students at UHCL benefit from its rich history, robust academic offerings, and a location that continues to inspire discovery and professional growth in a wide array of fields.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1974 with its origins directly linked to the academic needs of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center.
✦Began as an institution focused on upper-division and graduate studies, expanding to offer freshman and sophomore courses in 2014.
✦Serves a vibrant community of 8,961 students.
✦Campus developed on 487 acres (1.97 km²) of land generously donated by Humble Oil and Friendswood Development Corp.
✦A proud component institution of the University of Houston System since 1977.

Timeline

1961

NASA announces the Manned Spacecraft Center location just off the shores of Clear Lake.

1964

University of Houston begins offering graduate courses to NASA employees at the Manned Spacecraft Center.

1965

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

1968

Coordinating Board authorizes the creation of the Clear Lake Graduate Center (CLGC) and a stand-alone university.

1971

The 62nd 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

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

1977

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

1983

The institution is officially renamed University of Houston–Clear Lake.

2011

Senate Bill 324 is passed, authorizing the university to expand downward by adding freshman and sophomore course offerings.

2014

The university begins offering freshman and sophomore classes for the first time.

🏛️

52 Years

of Excellence

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