University of Houston-Clear Lake
University of Houston-Clear Lake — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Houston-Clear Lake at a Glance
The University of Houston–Clear Lake (UHCL) is a public university in Pasadena and Houston in Texas, with branch campuses in Pearland and Texas Medical Center. It is part of the University of Houston System. Founded in 1971, UHCL had an enrollment of more than 9,000 students for fall 2019.
1974
52 years old
$34M
$34.05 million ( FY 2024) (UHCL only) $1.11 billion (FY2024) (system-wide)
8,961
6,488 undergrad · 2,473 grad
744
524 acres
Identity
Is University of Houston-Clear Lake Worth It?
University of Houston-Clear Lake offers moderate value at $15,563/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $59,004, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 91% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How University of Houston-Clear Lake compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #33 of 127 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #6 | California State University-Channel Islands | 83 | $9,849 | $62,152 |
| #33 | University of Houston-Clear Lake | 49 | $15,563 | $59,004 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Houston-Clear Lake's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 13 in TX.
Best Programs at University of Houston-Clear Lake
The highest-earning program at University of Houston-Clear Lake is Management Information Systems and Services at $48,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $30,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Management Information Systems and Services graduate from University of Houston-Clear Lake earns $48,500, while a Biology, General graduate earns $30,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Management Information Systems and Services graduates carry $15,000 in median debt vs. $17,169 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,563/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services | $48,500 | $48,500 | $15,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,300 | $47,300 | $21,736 |
| Education, General | $47,200 | $47,200 | N/A |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $47,100 | $47,100 | $18,985 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $46,300 | $46,300 | $19,250 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $46,200 | $46,200 | $17,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,100 | $43,100 | $16,363 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $41,400 | $41,400 | $21,762 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $39,500 | $39,500 | $15,000 |
| Criminology | $38,800 | $38,800 | $14,077 |
| Marketing | $38,600 | $38,600 | $12,750 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $36,000 | $36,000 | $20,185 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $35,500 | $35,500 | $21,749 |
| History | $35,200 | $35,200 | $19,153 |
| Psychology, General | $35,100 | $35,100 | $18,685 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $31,600 | $31,600 | $20,000 |
| Biology, General | $30,200 | $30,200 | $17,169 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Student Body
- 6,078 students
- Admission Rate
- 91%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,563
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,004
- Median Student Debt
- $17,831