When students look at universities, they often examine the quality of academics, tuition and their salary potential after graduation. According to the Princeton Review, the University of Houston is among the country’s top institutions delivering all of those things to students. UH is featured in the Princeton Review’s 2016 edition of “Colleges That Pay You Back: Schools That Give You the Best Bang for Your Tuition Buck.”
The book (published by Penguin Random House/Princeton Review Books) focuses on issues of concern for both students and parents: paying for college and finding a job that provides a return on that investment. The book cites UH graduates with at least a bachelor's degree as 
having a median starting salary of $51,700 and median mid-career salary of $86,600.
“On so many fronts that matter to parents and students alike, these colleges are truly standouts,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s senior vice president and publisher and lead author, Colleges That Pay You Back. “They offer outstanding academics and generous financial aid to students with need and/or charge a relatively low cost of attendance. Some, phenomenally, do both. Their students also have access to extraordinary career services programs and a lifetime of alumni connections and post-grad support.”
Data for “Colleges That Pay You Back” was compiled through universities’ admissions and selection processes, financial aid ratings and tuition. The Princeton Review also used surveys from students and alums (through PayScale.com) to collect information regarding the career outlook for graduates.
In the book’s assessment of UH, the Princeton Review cites its many scholarships as a benefit for prospective and current students. “Described as ‘amazing,’ ‘generous,’ and ‘substantial’ by students, there are an abundance of scholarships available at Houston,” the book states. The publication specifically notes UH’s Tier One Scholarship program.
“Colleges That Pay You Back” also includes Cougars’ quotes on campus life, another factor for student satisfaction at UH. “Students at UH are outgoing, friendly and ambitious,” and “the spirit on campus is intoxicating,” were among the accolades submitted by students.
The Princeton Review’s recent recognition of UH complements previous acknowledgements in books “Colleges That Create Futures,” “The Best 380 Colleges” and the “Princeton Review’s Guide to 353 Green Colleges.” UH also earned the No. 2 spot in Princeton Review’s “2015 Top Entrepreneurial Programs” (for the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship in the C.T. Bauer College of Business).
The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its test-prep courses, tutoring, books and other student resources. The company is not affiliated with Princeton University.