University of Houston-Downtown

Public · Moderately Selective · TX

Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel (CC BY 4.0)

School data & stats

TypePublic

LocationTX · South

SettingUrban

Undergrads12,555

Student:faculty18:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate14.4%

6-yr grad rate33.2%

Drop-out rate32.9%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$8k

Out-of-state tuition$18k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity90.1%

Gender diversity62.1%

International1.8%

Identity—

Overview

The University of Houston-Downtown is a commuter-oriented public university in the heart of downtown Houston, serving one of the most diverse student bodies in Texas, including large numbers of first-generation and working students. It operates as a separate institution from the flagship University of Houston campus across town, with its own distinct mission focused on access rather than a traditional residential experience.

Academics

Business, criminal justice, and the sciences draw the most enrollment, and the university structures much of its scheduling — including evening and online options — around students balancing coursework with jobs and family responsibilities. Accounting and finance programs have a solid local reputation, feeding directly into downtown Houston's energy and financial-services employers.

Campus & student life

As a commuter campus, UHD's social life centers on downtown Houston itself rather than traditional residential-campus traditions, with students often moving between class, work, and internships in the same downtown blocks. The historic One Main Building, on Buffalo Bayou, anchors the campus and is a recognizable downtown landmark, though the university has added more student space and organizations over time to build community despite its commuter character.

Getting in

Admission is accessible and geared toward serving a broad range of students, including many who are balancing school with work, rather than a highly selective or holistic process. The university has particularly strong transfer pipelines from Houston-area community colleges.

uhd.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate90%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 940–1110 · ACT 16–22

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying