University of Houston vs Texas A&M: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Houston and Texas A & M University-College Station, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Houston vs Texas A&M at a glance
University of Houston admits 73.9% of applicants and Texas A&M 57.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $11,439 at University of Houston and $21,527 at Texas A&M. Six-year graduation rates are 65.7% and 84.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Houston admits 73.9% of applicants and Texas A&M 57.4%, so Texas A&M is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $11,439 a year at University of Houston and $21,527 at Texas A&M; University of Houston costs $10,088 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $8,468 at University of Houston and $13,226 at Texas A&M.
- 65.7% of students graduate within six years at University of Houston, against 84.5% at Texas A&M.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $68,423 for University of Houston and $78,159 for Texas A&M; Texas A&M is $9,736 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,250 at University of Houston and $17,350 at Texas A&M.
- University of Houston enrolls 38,380 students (large city) and Texas A&M 59,615 (midsize city).
Side by side
University of Houston and Texas A&M 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 | University of Houston | Texas A&M |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 57.4% |
| Applicants | 29,721 | 43,763 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1160–1340 | 1150–1400 |
| ACT middle 50% | 23–29 | 25–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $11,439 | $21,527 |
| Tuition, in state | $9,717 | $13,154 |
| Tuition, out of state | $22,427 | $39,974 |
| Cost of attendance | $23,250 | $32,796 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $8,468 | $13,226 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $8,553 | $13,602 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,529 | $16,811 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $13,799 | $25,126 |
| Over $110,000 | $21,065 | $30,748 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 65.7% | 84.5% |
| First-year retention | 87% | 94.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $68,423 | $78,159 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,250 | $17,350 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $196 | $197 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 38,380 | 59,615 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Houston, TX | College Station, 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
University of Houston reports 74 bachelor's programs and Texas A&M 103; 50 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Houston vs Texas A&M
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Houston or Texas A&M?
Texas A&M is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Houston admits 73.9% of applicants and Texas A&M admits 57.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Houston 1160–1340; Texas A&M 1150–1400.
Which is cheaper, University of Houston or Texas A&M?
University of Houston has the lower average net price after grants: $11,439 a year at University of Houston against $21,527 at Texas A&M. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $8,468 and $13,226. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Houston or Texas A&M graduates earn more?
Texas A&M graduates earn more at the median: $68,423 ten years after entry for University of Houston and $78,159 for Texas A&M. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,250 and $17,350.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Houston or Texas A&M?
Texas A&M does: 65.7% of University of Houston students graduate within six years, against 84.5% at Texas A&M.
How big are University of Houston and Texas A&M?
University of Houston has 38,380 students in Houston, TX and Texas A&M has 59,615 students in College Station, TX.