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University of Houston

Houston, TX

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

In Tempore("In Time")

Public research university
Type
37,175
Total Students
$10K
Tuition (In-State)
$22K
Tuition (Out-State)
$14K
Avg Net Price
70%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
6-year
86%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

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

About University of Houston

Houston: A dynamic R1 research powerhouse shaping the future in the heart of Texas.

The University of Houston stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity, a prominent public research university and the third-largest higher education institution in Texas. Renowned for its "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" classification, UH is a hub for groundbreaking discovery and intellectual pursuit. With a robust academic environment, it offers students a chance to be part of a vibrant campus transforming the future.

The university's journey began on March 7, 1927, as Houston Junior College, founded by the Houston Independent School District. Initially offering evening courses to train teachers, HJC quickly grew, opening its doors to high school students and expanding its curriculum. By 1934, it had evolved into a four-year degree-granting institution, proudly adopting the name University of Houston. This foundational growth culminated in 1977 when it became the cornerstone of the University of Houston System, cementing its role as a leading educational entity.

Academically, UH is a powerhouse, boasting fifteen colleges and an interdisciplinary honors college that collectively offer 310 diverse degree programs. Students delve into cutting-edge research across more than 35 centers and institutes, backed by an impressive annual research budget of approximately $240 million. Key research areas span critical fields like superconductivity, space exploration, biomedical sciences, energy resources, and artificial intelligence, providing unparalleled opportunities for innovation and learning.

Life at the University of Houston extends far beyond academics. Its expansive 894-acre campus in southeast Houston, complemented by instructional sites in Sugar Land and Katy, fosters a dynamic student experience. With over 500 student organizations, there's a community for every interest. The Cougars, UH's varsity athletic teams, are a source of immense pride, competing in the prestigious NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. Notable athletic achievements include the men's golf team's unprecedented 16 national championships, numerous NCAA tournament appearances for men's basketball, and consistent conference titles in track & field and swimming & diving, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines UH.

Key Highlights

  • Designated "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity."
  • Third-largest university in Texas, awarding 11,773 degrees for the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • Worldwide alumni base of 331,672 as of 2024.
  • Spends approximately $240 million annually in research across 35+ centers and institutes.
  • Men's golf team holds a record 16 national championships, the most in NCAA history.
  • Competes in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference.
  • Offers 310 degree programs across 15 colleges to 48,950 students (fall 2025).

Timeline

1927
Founded as Houston Junior College
1934
Restructured as a four-year degree-granting institution and renamed University of Houston
1977
Became the founding member of the University of Houston System
2021
Received and accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference
2024
University endowment reached $862.01 million

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