University of Houston-Clear Lake — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
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) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 75.3%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Recommended Academic Profile
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake is 3.39. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.59-3.79 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.09 and 3.39, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.39, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board 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
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
✅ 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
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Without SAT or ACT?
University of Houston-Clear Lake Average SAT Score: 1105
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Houston-Clear Lake is 1105 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1105 on the SAT.
If your score is below 990, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is 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 |
It means that if you have scored less than 990 then you are below most of the admitted students at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1170 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
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?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake) are good but the admission staff at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Houston-Clear Lake less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 21 on the ACT.
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 places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Houston-Clear Lake — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Houston-Clear Lake use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Houston-Clear Lake — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Houston-Clear Lake uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 23 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
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. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Profile
Is a UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Degree Worth It?
Getting into UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake is $68,000 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.85%.
How much does a degree from UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Houston-Clear Lake is $23,788. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Houston-Clear Lake is $11,056.
43.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 28.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Houston-Clear Lake, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake as your choice in the form.
How much does a UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $59,004. An average UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
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
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Houston-Clear Lake →
Frequently Asked Questions About UHCLersity of Houston-ClearLake Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59,004 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $23,788 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
43.8% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of University of Houston-Clear Lake is 75.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.39. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.09, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.09, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.99 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.39, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Houston-Clear Lake is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1105 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 990–1170.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
