University of Houston-Downtown
University of Houston-Downtown — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Houston-Downtown at a Glance
The University of Houston–Downtown (UHD) is a public university in Houston, Texas, United States. Established in 1974 as University of Houston–Downtown College (UH–DC), it has a campus that spans 40 acres (0.16 km2) in Downtown Houston with a satellite location, UHD–Northwest, inside Lone Star College–University Park. The university is one of three institutions in the University of Houston System.
1974
52 years old
$49M
$49.20 million ( FY 2024) (UHD only) $1.11 billion (FY2024) (system-wide)
14,105
12,880 undergrad · 1,225 grad
760
40 acres
Identity
Is University of Houston-Downtown Worth It?
University of Houston-Downtown offers moderate value at $10,542/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $53,551, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 33% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How University of Houston-Downtown compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #71 of 124 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 | California State University-San Bernardino | 100 | $4,564 | $59,977 |
| #4 | California State University-Los Angeles | 100 | $3,967 | $59,211 |
| #5 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #6 | Modesto Junior College | 100 | $2,818 | $42,368 |
| #71 | University of Houston-Downtown | 42 | $10,542 | $53,551 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Houston-Downtown's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 14 in TX.
Best Programs at University of Houston-Downtown
The highest-earning program at University of Houston-Downtown is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $52,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Sociology at $25,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from University of Houston-Downtown earns $52,500, while a Sociology graduate earns $25,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $20,960 in median debt vs. $23,500 for Sociology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,542/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $52,500 | $52,500 | $20,960 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $52,300 | $52,300 | $19,934 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $48,500 | $48,500 | $18,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,200 | $46,200 | $20,750 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $45,200 | $45,200 | $18,625 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $43,800 | $43,800 | $18,750 |
| Chemistry | $42,800 | $42,800 | $19,375 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $42,400 | $42,400 | $19,250 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $42,000 | $42,000 | $19,500 |
| Marketing | $37,500 | $37,500 | $16,638 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,800 | $35,800 | $20,444 |
| History | $35,200 | $35,200 | $21,588 |
| Psychology, General | $35,000 | $35,000 | $21,201 |
| Social Sciences, General | $35,000 | $35,000 | $29,969 |
| International Business | $34,500 | $34,500 | $26,071 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | $32,000 | $32,000 | $21,375 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,000 | $30,000 | $21,587 |
| Biology, General | $28,700 | $28,700 | $19,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $28,700 | $28,700 | $24,990 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $27,500 | $27,500 | $23,000 |
| Sociology | $25,400 | $25,400 | $23,500 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Student Body
- 12,555 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 33%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,542
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,551
- Median Student Debt
- $18,750