Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Houston, Texas
75.3% Acceptance Rate
University of Houston-Clear Lake — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
75.3%Acceptance Rate
3.39Avg GPA
1105Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$23,788Annual Cost
$59,004Grad Salary
43.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
75.3%
Avg GPA
3.39
Avg SAT
1105
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
990–1170
ACT Middle 50%
18–23
Avg Net Price
$11,056
Need-Based Aid
43.8% receive Pell
The University of Houston-Clear Lake, founded in 1971, is a public university serving the greater Houston area with 90+ degree programs. UHCL's 524-acre campus on the NASA border features modern facilities like the STEM and Classroom Building and the Recreation and Wellness Center. The university is known for its strengths in psychology, education, and aviation science, maintaining a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UHCL's proximity to the Johnson Space Center creates unique opportunities in space-related research and workforce development.
UHCL's location in the Clear Lake area provides access to Texas' largest concentration of aerospace and technology companies. The Hawks compete in NCAA Division II athletics. The university's Environmental Institute of Houston conducts important coastal research, while its Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities serves the community. UHCL's flexible evening and weekend programs cater to working professionals in the region.
University of Houston-Clear Lake Acceptance Rate
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 75.3% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 75.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.94
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Houston-Clear Lake Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Houston-Clear Lake follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority: 2026/01/15) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake is 3.39. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.09–3.39 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.59–3.79.UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.99 – 3.18
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.98
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- No essay required for general freshman admission; founded in 1971/1974 as an upper-division/graduate-only institution and only began admitting freshmen and sophomores starting in 2014.
- Founded partly in direct response to a 1965 NASA request for a permanent educational facility near the Manned Spacecraft Center (Johnson Space Center); the university's library houses the official NASA JSC History Collection archives.
- Acceptance rate reported inconsistently across sources, ranging from roughly 70% to over 94% - verify current figure directly with UHCL admissions.
- Bachelor of Social Work requires separate "Secondary Admission" (2.5+ GPA, Texas Core Requirements, specific prerequisites with "C" or higher) beyond general university admission.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Houston-Clear Lake's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Without SAT or ACT?
UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Houston-Clear Lake Average SAT Score: 1105
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Houston-Clear Lake is 1105 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1105 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1170 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Houston-Clear Lake allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 990, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 535 | 490 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 545 | 500 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1105 | 990 | 1170 |
Below 990, you're behind most admitted students; at 1170 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake) with a 1150 SAT?
A 1150 SAT puts you ahead of most of UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 20 | 17 | 22 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 23 |
Can I get into University of Houston-Clear Lake with a 23 ACT?
A 23 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Understand UHCL's recent shift from upper-division-only to full four-year admission
UHCL was founded in 1971/1974 explicitly as an upper-division and graduate-only institution - its original legal mission barred it from teaching freshmen or sophomores entirely - and only began accepting first-year and sophomore students starting in 2014. For families researching UHCL based on older reputation or word-of-mouth, clarify that the full four-year freshman experience is a relatively recent institutional development, not a long-standing tradition.
Skip essay-prep time for general freshman admission
UHCL does not require an essay for general freshman admission, confirmed directly by student accounts describing the application process as straightforward with no essay involved. Redirect any "extra" application effort toward program-specific requirements (e.g., the Bachelor of Social Work's separate Secondary Admission process) rather than an unrequired general-admission essay.
Highlight the direct, citable NASA Johnson Space Center connection for STEM-interested students
UHCL was founded partly in direct response to a 1965 formal request from NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center (later Johnson Space Center) director for a permanent educational facility serving NASA employees and the surrounding aerospace industry; the university's library now houses the official NASA Johnson Space Center History Collection archives. For STEM, engineering, or space-industry-focused students, this is a concrete, citable institutional origin story rather than generic "near NASA" framing.
Flag the Bachelor of Social Work's Secondary Admission gate for relevant students
Students interested in Social Work must apply separately for "Secondary Admission" into the BSW program after declaring the major, requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of Texas Core Requirements, specific prerequisite coursework with a "C" or higher, and potentially a personal interview. Build this two-stage process into the planning timeline for any Social Work-interested student rather than assuming general admission alone secures a spot in the program.
Expert Insight:
Acceptance rate figures for UHCL vary unusually widely across sources (from roughly 70% to over 94% depending on source and cycle) - confirm the current figure directly with UHCL admissions, since the spread here is wider than typical aggregator disagreement and could reflect different applicant pools (freshman-only vs. blended with the historically larger transfer population).
UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Profile
Full Name
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake)
City
Houston
State
Texas
ZIP Code
77058-1002
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Degree Worth It?
Whether UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $68,000, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.85%.
How much does a degree from UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Cost?
The sticker price is $23,788/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $11,056.
43.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 28.8% take federal loans at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake. File your FAFSA early and list UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $59,004. That's about 45% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Houston-Clear Lake. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Houston-Clear Lake. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | 1100 | 22 |
| Flagler College | Saint Augustine, FL | 1099 | 22 |
| University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | 1115 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Houston-Clear Lake. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
Degree Programs at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of Houston-Clear Lake run about $59,004 a year.
At about $23,788 a year, University of Houston-Clear Lake is on the more affordable end.
About 43.8% receive a Pell Grant at University of Houston-Clear Lake. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 75.3%, University of Houston-Clear Lake's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Houston-Clear Lake average a 3.39 GPA.
University of Houston-Clear Lake doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.09 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.99, University of Houston-Clear Lake becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Houston-Clear Lake — aim above 1105, ideally within the 990–1170 range admitted students typically fall in.
University of Houston-Clear Lake follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The application fee is 50. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is Priority: 2026/01/15. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.