The University of Houston has launched My Total Cost Planner, a new tool that helps admitted and enrolled students understand and plan for the full cost of attending UH. This new resource has been designed to provide clear, personalized answers based on a student’s individual academic choices and financial aid packages.
“One of the most important and complex questions students face is also one of the most personal: what will college actually cost, and how can I plan for it with confidence,” said Emily Messa, senior associate vice chancellor for administration at UH. “My Total Cost Planner is designed to give students and families a clearer, more transparent way to answer that question.”
Developed using direct feedback from UH students and families, the tool provides a personalized view of costs by integrating key student information — such as academic college and accepted financial aid and scholarships — with user-selected inputs that reflect real-world decisions.
Through My Total Cost Planner, students can model how different choices may impact the total cost of earning their degree, including:
- Enrollment level and credit hours
- Housing options, including on-campus in residential halls or commuting
- Meal plans
- Parking permits and participation in the Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP)
- Fixed versus variable tuition option
As selections are adjusted, the tool updates in real time to display estimated tuition and fees, the impact of financial aid and projected installment payment options.
Unlike generic cost calculators, My Total Cost Planner was built in-house to reflect actual University of Houston costs and student choices, offering a more accurate, personalized and actionable planning experience.
While the planner does not include certain course-specific or incidental fees — such as lab fees or study abroad costs — it provides a strong foundation for understanding the overall investment in a UH education.
“Financial challenges are a key reason students pause their education before graduating,” said Teri Longacre, vice provost and dean of undergraduate success. “We aim to provide clear comprehensive information so students and families can make confident, informed decisions.”
The My Total Cost Planner is a critical piece of a university-wide effort — alongside expanded financial aid and peer mentoring — to remove barriers and clear the path to a degree. Students can access the tool through the AccessUH portal.