University of Houston Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

University of Houston is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Houston (UH) is 66.24%. This means that 66 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

How Competitive are University of Houston Admissions?

  • Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
  • GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
  • A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
University of Houston Admission Competitiveness

To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the UH is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.

As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.

Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.

University of Houston Admission Requirements

UH GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at UH is 3.46. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

If your GPA is between 3.16 and 3.46, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 3.06 is required.

Can I Get Into UH Without SAT Or ACT?: University of Houston considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.



University of Houston (UH) SAT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.

University of Houston Average SAT Score: 1241
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Houston is 1241 on the 1600 SAT scale.

University of Houston SAT Competitiveness

Competitiveness

This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1241 on the SAT.

Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1330 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Houston allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1160, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UH. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.

University of Houston SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math 625580670
SAT Reading 620580660
SAT Composite 124111601330

It means that if you have scored less than 1160 then you are below most of the admitted students at UH and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1330 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 1250

Can I get into University of Houston (UH) with a 1350 SAT?

With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Houston (UH) are good but the admission staff at UH 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 (UH) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at UH is 26.

University of Houston ACT Competitiveness

Competitiveness

This score makes University of Houston Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.

University of Houston ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math 252227
ACT English 262230
ACT Composite 262329

Can I get into University of Houston with a 29 ACT?

With a 29 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Houston are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.

SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send

You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at University of Houston. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.

But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.

Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 26.

UH Profile

Name: University of Houston (UH)

City: Houston

URL: www.uh.edu/

State: Texas

Type: Public

Zip: 77204-2018

Campus: Main

Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)


How much does a degree from UH Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at University of Houston is USD: 24130. 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 is USD: 13900

How can I get a scholarship?

41.04% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 31.67 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UH and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At University of Houston, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UH as your choice in the form.

How much a UH Graduate make?

The average annual salary of the UH graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 62377. An average UH 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 USD: 40595



More Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Houston. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of University of Houston, you'll be competitive for these schools.


SchoolLocationSATACT
Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham-Southern College, AL121826
University of Mobile University of Mobile, AL122024
Samford University Samford University, AL122726
University of Arizona University of Arizona, AZ122925
John Brown University John Brown University, AR121826
Dominican University of California Dominican University of California, CA119224
University of Redlands University of Redlands, CA121528
Whittier College Whittier College, CA123127
Colorado State University-Fort Collins Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO119926
University of Hartford University of Hartford, CT120126


Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Houston. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for University of Houston, you'll be competitive for these schools also.


SchoolLocationSATACT
Hendrix College Hendrix College, AR124627
Biola University Biola University, CA125027
Whittier College Whittier College, CA123127
Eckerd College Eckerd College, FL123827
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL123726
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Houston. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.


SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL129127
The University of Alabama The University of Alabama, AL130427
Auburn University Auburn University, AL129227
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ127828
Chapman University Chapman University, CA131629

Degree Programs


Bachelor Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Houston Admissions

Question: What is the average salary of a graduate from University of Houston?

Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $62377 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.


Question: What is the tuition fee for University of Houston?

Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24130 per year, making it more affordable for many students.


Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at University of Houston?

Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.


Question: What is the acceptance rate for University of Houston?

Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Houston is 66.24 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.


Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at University of Houston?

Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.46. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.


Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to University of Houston?

Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.16, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.


Question: What are my chances at University of Houston with a 3.16 GPA?

Answer: If your GPA is 3.16 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.


Question: Can I apply to University of Houston if my GPA is below 3.06

Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.46, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.


Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for University of Houston?

Answer: Admission to University of Houston is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1241 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1160-1330


Question: Is it possible to transfer to University of Houston from another university?

Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to University of Houston each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.


Question: What is the campus culture like at University of Houston?

Answer: The campus culture at University of Houston is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.


Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into University of Houston?

Answer: 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.



Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Houston.

Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.

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