University of Houston Ranked Among '50 Most Affordable Colleges with Best Return'

Student success is among the University of Houston’s top priorities. In helping its Cougars excel, UH takes great strides keep tuition costs low while delivering a world-class education.

Recently, UH was recognized as one of the “50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return” by Affordable Schools, an online guide to higher education institutions across the country.

In its rankings, Affordable Schools balanced universities’ tuition costs from the 2013 – 14 academic year with the expected income of students graduating with bachelor’s degrees. UH’s  in-state undergraduate tuition (at the time data was compiled) was $9,318. The salary for graduating students is approximated at $49,500 and mid-career earnings are approximately $85,200. Based on Affordable Schools’ criterion, the 15-year return on investment is $1,010,250.

UH is the only Houston institution to make this list and one of three Texas colleges to be ranked by Affordable Schools. In its profile of the University, Affordable Schools spotlights UH’s Carnegie Foundation designated Tier One status, its renowned Law Center, Cullen College of Engineering and C.T. Bauer College of Business.

This year, the University is stepping up its efforts to provide an affordable college experience and help students graduate on time. UH in 4 offers incoming freshmen an optional four-year fixed rate plan, which requires them to complete 30 semester credit hours each academic year. Students who do not participate in UH in 4 will pay variable rate tuition. This initiative was developed in response to a policy decision from the Texas Legislature requiring universities to offer four-year fixed tuition plans.

UH’s inclusion in the “50 Most Affordable Colleges” list complements previous rankings that reflect the institution’s commitment to delivering a quality, cost-effective education. The University is ranked fourth in Policymic’s “12 Colleges Where Students Get the Best Bang for Their Buck.” UH also is listed among U.S. News and World Report’s list of Colleges that Lead Students to the Least Amount of Debt.

To assist students in predicting tuition costs, UH offers a net price calculator. It also strives to make higher education accessible for students through incentive programs such as the Cougar Promise and the tuition rebate program. The Cougar Promise guarantees free tuition and mandatory fees to new in-state freshmen with family incomes at or below $45,000. The $1,000 tuition rebate program provides incentive to undergraduates who meet eligibility requirements, including graduating within four calendar years for four-year degrees.