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Head to head · Texas

The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Houston

University of Houston costs less than The University of Texas at Austin at every income band federal data covers — between $1,624 and $6,271 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeThe University of Texas at AustinUniversity of HoustonDifference
Under $30k$12,553$10,929$1,624 · University of Houston
$30–48k$14,297$10,220$4,077 · University of Houston
$48–75k$17,207$12,528$4,679 · University of Houston
$75–110k$24,406$19,197$5,209 · University of Houston
Over $110k$30,082$23,811$6,271 · University of Houston

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

The University of Texas at Austin$102,871
University of Houston$80,915
Difference over four years$21,956

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate27% · 74%
Average SAT1395 · 1250

Listed The University of Texas at Austin first, then University of Houston. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$75,121 · $62,377
Graduate in four years74% · 43%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,500 · $18,194

Again The University of Texas at Austin first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

The University of Texas at Austin — every income band · University of Houston — every income band · All Texas public colleges