Web Developer: Trinh, Hai Xuan
Catalog Home

GENERAL
INFORMATION


How to Read
this Catalog


Academic Calendar

Regents and Officers

University Profile

Graduate and
Professional Degrees


Accreditation

Admission

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships and
Financial Aid


Academic Regulations

Special Programs

Libraries

Computer Resources

Facilities and Resources

Student Services


Catalog Search



Colleges and Schools

Tuition and Fees

On this page
Installment Payments Financial Responsibility
Tuition Fees
Auditing Exemptions
Refunds Concurrent Enrollment
Schedule of Charges


The University of Houston reserves the right to change the provisions of this catalog, including, but not limited to, degree requirements, course offerings, fees, and listings in the calendar as necessitated by university or legislative action.

All required tuition, fees, and deposits are due in full, or according to the terms of a selected installment plan, as a condition of enrollment. Payment of all school-related charges may be made in cash, check, money order, or credit cards payable to the University of Houston.

Students may pay all university charges processed through the UH billing system with valid MasterCard, VISA, or Discover Card credit cards. If only the minimum amount due is paid by credit card, then charges are assessed by the university as described under Installment Payment Plans. If 100 percent of the balance is paid by the twelfth class day, then no charges are assessed by the university.

Installment Payment Plans

The University of Houston offers two payment plans for students to pay their tuition and fees in the fall and spring semesters (summer sessions must be paid in full at the time of fee payment). These plans allow students to pay in either one or three installments. The plans allow for the installment payment of all current charges only.

Students may choose an installment payment plan by paying the minimum amount due on the bill. The university charges a $30 incidental fee for the three-payment plan. Students who pay off their installment plan early will receive a prorated refund, which depends upon their payments being posted prior to a regularly scheduled bill run for an installment bill.

The university cannot be responsible for the delivery of mail; therefore, students who have not received a bill by the bill due date should contact the Office of Student Financial Services in 6 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building (743-1096) before the deadline in order to make arrangements to pay the correct amount. After the initial fee payment, accounts not paid to a current status by the installment or bill due date will be assessed a $10 late fee, and a financial stop will be placed if the account balance is more than $10.

Student Financial Responsibility Policy

Students incur charges for a variety of services provided by the university. It is the expectation, as well as a condition of enrollment at the University of Houston, that students satisfy their financial responsibilities in a timely fashion. Individuals who fail to do so will incur the sanctions outlined in this section.

Students who illegally enroll at the University of Houston by (a) failing to pay past due balances at any other University of Houston campus, (b) providing the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid with false information for purposes of obtaining financial assistance, or (c) presenting a check for enrollment expenses that is returned by the university's bank, will have 10 calendar days to legitimize their enrollment. The 10 days will begin on the date the university mails notification to the student specifying what action the student must take to correct existing deficiencies. Failure of a student to respond within the 10-day period to a notice of a returned check for the initial fee payment will result in the student being financially disenrolled from the university.

Students who write or produce two bad checks (unless due to bank error) to the university for tuition and fees or for any other university obligation forfeit check-writing privileges for one year and must petition for future eligibility. (This means that a student must meet financial obligations by cash or cashier's check only. No personal checks from the student or anyone representing the student will be accepted.)

In addition, a student who has tendered to the university a check returned unpaid by the bank will be assessed a $20 service charge. Any time payment is not made by the due date indicated, a late fee will be assessed, and a financial stop placed on any balance greater than $10.

Students who fail to make their first payment will be financially withdrawn and their records will reflect no enrollment. Students who make their initial payment and then fail to make subsequent payments by the final payment deadline provided will be subject to the following sanctions:

  • A $50 severance of service fee will be assessed on balances greater than $300.
  • Financial stops will be placed on balances greater than $10, preventing further enrollment until cleared by the Office of Student Financial Services.
  • Credit and grades for the work done that semester may be withheld. Grades of A, B, C, or D will be changed to W for the students who fail to pay by the end of the semester; grades of F or U will be unchanged. The Registrar's Office will hold the original grades on file for six months after the end of the semester. If payment is received within that period, the passing grades may be reinstated.
  • No degree will be conferred to a student or former student until financial obligations have been satisfied.
  • University housing may be denied.
  • Transcripts or statements regarding courses or prior credits will not be provided to or on behalf of a student who is in default on any payment to the university.
  • Non-payment by the end of the semester will result in transfer of the student's account to the Collections Office and assessment of a collection fee of at least 25 percent of the outstanding balance.

Grade changes as a result of non-payment, dropping courses, or withdrawing from the university will not relieve the student of unmet financial obligations to the university.

Stopping payment on a check used to pay tuition and fees is not sufficient notice of withdrawal from the courses and will not release you from your financial obligation for those courses.

The University of Houston is a state of Texas institution of higher education, which means that payment of a specified portion of the student's account balance (determined by the payment plan a student chooses) is a condition of enrollment. Courses will be canceled for students who do not pay their minimum registration and tuition fees by the assigned time. Should your course be canceled, you must register or re-enroll during the next registration cycle if one exists.

Tuition

Undergraduate tuition for residents is collected at a base rate, which is governed by the Texas Education Code.

Undergraduate resident tuition for 1997-98 is $34 per semester credit hour with minimum charges of $120 per session for fall, spring, nine-week or twelve-week summer sessions and $60 per six-week summer sessions.

The tuition rate for foreign and non-resident undergraduate students is regulated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Undergraduate non-resident tuition for 1997-98 is $248 per semester credit hour.

Premium Tuition

Tuition rates for both graduate and professional students are based upon premium tuition rates. Premium tuition rates are established by the University of Houston Board of Regents.

Graduate resident tuition for 1997-98 is $60 per semester credit hour with minimum charges of $120 per session for the eighteen-week regular sessions and the twelve-week or nine-week summer sessions and $60 per six-week summer sessions.

The tuition rate for foreign and non-resident graduate students is $248 per semester credit hour.

Resident professional student premium tuition rates for 1997-98 are:

  • Law $150 per semester credit hour
  • Optometry $102 per semester credit hour
Foreign and non-resident professional student premium tuition rates for 1997-98 are:

  • Law $300 per semester credit hour
  • Optometry $340 per semester credit hour

Student Employees

Teaching and research assistants are entitled to register themselves, their spouses, and their children by paying the tuition and other fees charged to Texas residents. The residency waiver is effective without regard to the length of time they have resided in Texas provided the students are employed at least one-half time in a teaching or research position relating to their degree program.

A waiver form must be presented to the Office of Student Financial Services the semester against which it is to be applied. No retroactive waivers will be granted. To receive a waiver for summer, students must be employed one-half time during the summer sessions.

Faculty and Dependents

Teachers, professors, and other researchers of state institutions of higher education are entitled to register themselves, their spouses, and children by paying resident tuition and fees. This residency waiver is effective without regard to the length of time they have resided in Texas, provided the employees are employed at least one-half time.

Military Personnel and Dependents

Officers, enlisted men and women, selectees, or draftees of the Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard, or Coast Guard Reserve of the United States, who are assigned to duty in Texas are entitled to register themselves, their spouses, and their children at the university by paying Texas resident tuition and fees. This tuition waiver is effective without regard to the length of time they have been assigned to duty or resided in the state. The waiver must be presented to the Bursar's Office in the semester it is valid. Waivers are not retroactive. This does not apply to out-of-state reserves training in Texas on a temporary basis. As long as they reside continuously in Texas, spouses and children of United States armed forces members who have been assigned to duty elsewhere immediately following duty in Texas are eligible to pay resident tuition and fees.

Spouses and children of deceased United States armed forces members are eligible for resident tuition if the spouse and children become Texas residents within 60 days of the death.

If United States armed forces members are stationed outside Texas and their spouses and children establish Texas residency by residing in Texas and by filing with the university a letter of intent to establish residency, they will be permitted to pay residency tuition and fees regardless of the time they have resided in Texas.

Fees

The University of Houston collects fees in addition to tuition for specific services. The Tuition-Designated Fee (formerly known as the General Use Fee) is collected based upon the number of semester credit hours enrolled. Mandatory fees that are assessed on a pro rata basis, with a maximum limit, are Student Service and Computer Use fees. The Health Center and the University Center fees are compulsory charges that are assessed at a flat rate to all enrolled students. The University of Houston System has also authorized specific fees that are related to certain courses. Course-related fees are charged only when registration occurs for that particular course. Rates for 1997-98 mandatory fees are:

Mandatory Fees Session Amount
Tuition-Designated 18-week
12-week
9-week
6-week
$30/credit hour
$30/credit hour
$30/credit hour
$30/credit hour
Student Service 18-week
12-week
9-week
6-week
$22 to $102
$22 to $102
$22 to $102
$16 to $53
Computer Use 18-week
12-week
9-week
6-week
$10 to $50
$10 to $50
$10 to $50
$10 to $30
Health Center 18-week
12-week
9-week
6-week
$20
$20
$20
$10
International Education Fee$1
Library 18-week
12-week
9-week
6-week
$15
$15
$15
$7.50
University Center 18-week
12-week
9-week
6-week
$16.50
$16.50
$16.50
$8.25

Uniform/Towel Fee

The university provides a clean towel and gym uniform (excluding shoes) to students enrolled in certain courses within the Health and Human Performance Department. The Uniform/Towel fee, of $20 per semester, is a course-related fee that covers the costs of providing a clean towel and uniform for each class meeting.

Parking

Students who park a motor vehicle on campus must pay a parking fee each semester or summer session. Any vehicle not properly displaying a current university decal or temporary permit will be cited. Visitors may use metered parking or the hotel garage. Vehicles illegally parked on campus will receive citations and may be subject to towing.

A service fee will be charged for replacement decals. Refer to University of Houston parking and traffic regulations for fee schedules and regulations. For more information, consult the Office of Parking and Transportation, 1 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building.

The Houstonian

Students may request a yearbook through VIP when registering. A $30.00 fee will be added to the tuition and fee bill. Or, students may order a yearbook through Student Publications by calling (713) 743-5350 or making a request to Student Publications, University of Houston, COM 151, Houston, Texas, 77204-4071. It is published each Fall, and distribution plans are available at that time. The university will provide refunds to students who withdraw and request refunds in the Office of Student Financial Services by the 20th day of class. A purchased book will be held for the buyer for only one calendar year from the date of purchase.

Room and Board

The campus has housing facilities for single graduate and undergraduate students. Housing assignments for new residents are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The university offers room contracts in the late spring, with reservations made upon receipt of the signed contract and the initial room payment. For further information, write or call:

UH Housing Services Office
4361 Wheeler Street
Houston, Texas 77004

Houston calls: (713) 743-6000
Out-of-town calls (toll free): 1-800-247-7184


Miscellaneous Fees

FeeAmount
Bad checks$20
Binding, thesis, per copy$25
Binding, dissertation, per copy$30
Cooperative Education$115
Copyright (if desired)$20
Duplicate Schedule-Fee Statement$3
Examination, Advanced Standing,
per course
$25
Graduation Application1$25
Field Trips
In any course requiring a field trip, students will be charged the amount necessary to defray the cost of the trip.
Microfilming Doctoral DissertationCost plus $5
International Student Services
Fall or Spring$65
Summer$33
Orientation
Orientation for graduate students is coordinated by individual colleges, not Dean of Students.
Registration, Late$20
Testing
Fees vary; contact the Testing Center
Transcripts$5
Writing Proficiency Examination
Exam fee$15
Changes or Late application fee$5
1This fee is not refundable and includes the cost of a diploma. The fee does not include the cost of a cap and gown, which are handled by the University Bookstore.

Course Auditing

Approval to audit or visit a course is granted to qualified UH students by the instructor and the dean of the college in which the course is offered. Such approval conveys only the privilege of observing and does not include submitting papers, taking tests, or participating in class discussions, laboratories or field work. An instructor may give permission to audit his or her class only after the first meeting of the class. Credit is not given for an audited course, nor may a change to credit status be made after students have registered. Only licensed law practitioners may audit law courses.

Audits are permitted only when space is available. An instructor or dean may refuse any request to audit a course. Other conditions and restrictions may apply. Students may obtain additional information and audit application forms from any dean's office. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services, 1 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, for fee payment information.

Tuition and Fees Exemptions

The university exempts qualified students from paying tuition as follows:

Blind and Deaf Students

Blind and deaf students who are residents are entitled to exemption from tuition and fees if they present: certification by the appropriate state vocational rehabilitation agency that they are handicapped in the respective manner; a high school diploma or its equivalent; a letter of recommendation from their high school principal, clergy, a public official, or other responsible official; and proof of admission to the university.

Children of Disabled Firefighters and Peace Officers

The university exempts from the payment of tuition and fees students under 21 years of age whose parents have suffered an injury resulting in death or disability sustained in the line of duty according to the regulations and criteria governing the department or agency which were in effect when the parent was employed.

Parents qualify who currently are disabled and who served as full-paid or volunteer firefighters, full-paid municipal, county, or state peace officers, custodial employees of the Texas Department of Corrections, or game wardens when they incurred their disability.

"Disabled" means the inability to engage in any substantial, gainful activity by reason of any medically determined physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or to be of long and indefinite duration. Individuals are not considered disabled unless they furnish proof of disability.

Children of Prisoners of War or Persons Missing in Action

Upon presentation of satisfactory evidence, the university will exempt from the payment of tuition and fees the dependent child of any person who is a domiciliary of Texas on active duty as a member of the United States armed forces, and who at the time of registration is classified by the Department of Defense as a prisoner of war or missing in action.

Senior Citizens

Senior citizen refers to a person 65 years of age or older. The university allows senior citizens to audit any course offered by the campus without payment of a fee, providing space is available. See Course Auditing for more information.

Senior citizens taking courses for credit may enroll in up to six hours of courses per semester or summer term without payment of tuition if space is available.

Veterans and Dependents

The university exempts students from paying all tuition, fees, and charges, including fees for correspondence courses but excluding property deposit fees, student services fees, and any fees or charges for lodging, board, or clothing, provided the students seeking exemption were citizens of Texas at the time they entered the services indicated below and have resided in Texas for at least 12 months before the registration date. Exemptions include the following:

  1. All nurses and honorably discharged members of the United States armed forces who served during the Spanish-American War or World War I.
  2. All nurses, members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, members of the Women's Auxiliary Volunteer Emergency Service, and all honorably discharged United States armed forces members who served during World War II.
  3. All honorably discharged men and women of the United States armed forces who served during the national emergency which began on June 27, 1950, and is referred to as the Korean War.
  4. All United States armed forces members who were honorably discharged after serving on active military duty, excluding training, for more than 180 days during the Cold War which began on the date of termination of the national emergency known as the Korean War; the Vietnam era which began on December 21, 1961 and ended on May 7, 1975; the Grenada and Lebanon era which began on August 24, 1982, and ended on July 31, 1984; the Panama era which began on December 20, 1989, and ended on January 21, 1990; or the Persian Gulf War which began on August 2, 1990, and ends on the date thereafter prescribed by Presidential proclamation or September 1, 1997, whichever occurs first. These exemptions also apply to children of United States armed forces members who were killed in action or died while in service during World War II, the national emergency which began on June 27, 1950, or the Cold War. It also applies to orphans of members of the Texas National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard killed since January 1, 1946, while on active duty. However, to qualify for this exemption, students must be citizens of Texas and must have resided in the state at least 12 months preceding the registration date. Students applying for an exemption must submit satisfactory evidence that they fulfill the necessary citizenship and residency requirements.

The exemption from fees does not apply to students who are eligible for federal educational benefits at the time of registration.

Tuition and Fees Refunds

Dropped Courses

The university will refund tuition and fees collected for courses dropped by students within the first 12 days of a fall or spring semester, or within the first four days of a summer session. Refunds are credited to the student's account approximately one week after the twelfth class day. Students should contact the Office of Student Accounting at that time to receive their refund.

Financial Withdrawal

Students who make payment on their account with checks which are returned to the university for insufficient funds or who fail to pay by designated deadlines will be withdrawn from the university without refund. Student who are financially withdrawn after the last day to drop or withdraw without a grade will receive W or F grades only for the semester.

Note: Students with two or more returned checks must make payment on their account by cash, cashier's check or money order. No checks—personal or otherwise—will be accepted.

Students who withdraw from the university prior to the first day of classes will be charged a $15 matriculation fee. The withdrawal refund schedule is as follows:

Time of WithdrawalRefund
Prior to the first day of class100 percent
During the first five class days80 percent
During the second five class days70 percent
During the third five class days50 percent
During the fourth five class days25 percent
After the fourth five class daysNone

The university will refund a percentage of the tuition and mandatory fees to students who withdraw from the institution during summer sessions according to the following schedule:


Time of Withdrawal

Refund
Prior to the first day of class100 percent
During the first, second, or third class day80 percent
During the fourth, fifth, or sixth class day50 percent
Seventh class day and thereafterNone

The refund is not processed immediately upon withdrawal or cancellation. Credit balance bills will be processed and mailed by midsemester. For students who have received financial aid, refund eligibility, if any, will be determined by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

The university will refund tuition and fees paid by sponsors, donors, or scholarships to the source rather than to the students who have withdrawn if the funds were made available through the institution. The university will terminate health services, library privileges, facilities usage, and athletic and cultural entertainment tickets for students who withdraw.

The Office of Student Financial Services processes refunds for tuition and mandatory fees.

Students who have paid optional fees may apply for refunds at the respective offices:

Health insurance
(by 20th class day)
100 Health Center
The Houstonian
(by 20th class day)
6 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building
Parking
(by 14th class day)
1 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building

Students must withdraw from school or drop classes at the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, for these transactions to be recognized as valid. Students who have received financial aid may also be required to repay a portion of their aid to the university upon withdrawal.

Refunds Under Installment Payment Plans

Dropping courses or withdrawing from the university does not relieve a student of the responsibility for unmet financial obligations to the university. Students enrolled in an installment payment plan will be required to continue making payments until the nonrefundable portion of their accounts is paid in full. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.

Concurrent Enrollment

Tuition

Fees for students who register concurrently at two Texas public institutions of higher education are covered in Senate Bill No. 250, Acts of the Sixty-fifth Legislature, Regular Session, 1977, which provides for the following tuition procedure:

  1. Students must first register at the institution with the lower minimum tuition and pay that tuition charge in full.
  2. Generally, only the hourly rate must be paid at the second institution. However, if the minimum amount is less at the first institution, students must pay the difference between the two minimums to the second institution, but not less than the hourly rate. Students must bring to the second institution proof of fee payment at the first institution.
  3. If students are considered Texas residents by one institution at which they are registered, they will be considered Texas residents at each of the institutions at which they are concurrently registered.

Student Services

Students who are concurrently enrolled at two or more campuses within the University of Houston System may be able to pay less in student service fees than each campus would separately require. Such students should contact the student accounting office at any UH System campus for further information.

.............MAKE SURE SCHEDULE of CHARGES TABLES GET ADDED HERE.............

Schedule of Charges

Additional fees and charges which are applied on a selective basis precede this schedule of charges. The university reserves the right to change, without notice, any information as necessitated by university or legislative action.


Last updated: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 11:20 AM
Please send your request to: WebMasters, or visit On-line Graduate Catalogs at the University of Houston.