Texas Tech University vs University of Houston: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Texas Tech University and University of Houston, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Texas Tech University vs University of Houston at a glance
Texas Tech University admits 72.7% of applicants and University of Houston 73.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $19,890 at Texas Tech University and $11,439 at University of Houston. Six-year graduation rates are 69.9% and 65.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Texas Tech University admits 72.7% of applicants and University of Houston 73.9%, so Texas Tech University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $19,890 a year at Texas Tech University and $11,439 at University of Houston; University of Houston costs $8,451 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,008 at Texas Tech University and $8,468 at University of Houston.
- 69.9% of students graduate within six years at Texas Tech University, against 65.7% at University of Houston.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $67,143 for Texas Tech University and $68,423 for University of Houston; University of Houston is $1,280 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Texas Tech University and $17,250 at University of Houston.
- Texas Tech University enrolls 32,394 students (large city) and University of Houston 38,380 (large city).
Side by side
Texas Tech University and University of Houston in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Texas Tech University | University of Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 72.7% | 73.9% |
| Applicants | 33,756 | 29,721 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1090–1280 | 1160–1340 |
| ACT middle 50% | 23–28 | 23–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $19,890 | $11,439 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,852 | $9,717 |
| Tuition, out of state | $24,451 | $22,427 |
| Cost of attendance | $28,525 | $23,250 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,008 | $8,468 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,846 | $8,553 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,756 | $8,529 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,147 | $13,799 |
| Over $110,000 | $25,269 | $21,065 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 69.9% | 65.7% |
| First-year retention | 85% | 87% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $67,143 | $68,423 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $17,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $196 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 32,394 | 38,380 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Lubbock, TX | Houston, TX |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Texas Tech University reports 79 bachelor's programs and University of Houston 74; 48 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Texas Tech University vs University of Houston
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Texas Tech University or University of Houston?
Texas Tech University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Texas Tech University admits 72.7% of applicants and University of Houston admits 73.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Texas Tech University 1090–1280; University of Houston 1160–1340.
Which is cheaper, Texas Tech University or University of Houston?
University of Houston has the lower average net price after grants: $19,890 a year at Texas Tech University against $11,439 at University of Houston. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,008 and $8,468. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Texas Tech University or University of Houston graduates earn more?
University of Houston graduates earn more at the median: $67,143 ten years after entry for Texas Tech University and $68,423 for University of Houston. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $17,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Texas Tech University or University of Houston?
Texas Tech University does: 69.9% of Texas Tech University students graduate within six years, against 65.7% at University of Houston.
How big are Texas Tech University and University of Houston?
Texas Tech University has 32,394 students in Lubbock, TX and University of Houston has 38,380 students in Houston, TX.