University of North Texas vs University of Houston: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of North Texas and University of Houston, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of North Texas vs University of Houston at a glance
University of North Texas admits 72.2% of applicants and University of Houston 73.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,358 at University of North Texas and $11,439 at University of Houston. Six-year graduation rates are 62.9% and 65.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of North Texas admits 72.2% of applicants and University of Houston 73.9%, so University of North Texas is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,358 a year at University of North Texas and $11,439 at University of Houston; University of Houston costs $3,919 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $12,866 at University of North Texas and $8,468 at University of Houston.
- 62.9% of students graduate within six years at University of North Texas, against 65.7% at University of Houston.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $59,434 for University of North Texas and $68,423 for University of Houston; University of Houston is $8,989 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,000 at University of North Texas and $17,250 at University of Houston.
- University of North Texas enrolls 34,341 students (midsize city) and University of Houston 38,380 (large city).
Side by side
University of North Texas 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 | University of North Texas | University of Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 73.9% |
| Applicants | 24,858 | 29,721 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 980–1230 | 1160–1340 |
| ACT middle 50% | 19–27 | 23–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,358 | $11,439 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,309 | $9,717 |
| Tuition, out of state | $21,029 | $22,427 |
| Cost of attendance | $27,413 | $23,250 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $12,866 | $8,468 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,814 | $8,553 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,645 | $8,529 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,983 | $13,799 |
| Over $110,000 | $23,964 | $21,065 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 62.9% | 65.7% |
| First-year retention | 76.7% | 87% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $59,434 | $68,423 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,000 | $17,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $205 | $196 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 34,341 | 38,380 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Denton, 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
University of North Texas reports 79 bachelor's programs and University of Houston 74; 48 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of North Texas vs University of Houston
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of North Texas or University of Houston?
University of North Texas is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of North Texas admits 72.2% of applicants and University of Houston admits 73.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of North Texas 980–1230; University of Houston 1160–1340.
Which is cheaper, University of North Texas or University of Houston?
University of Houston has the lower average net price after grants: $15,358 a year at University of North Texas against $11,439 at University of Houston. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $12,866 and $8,468. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of North Texas or University of Houston graduates earn more?
University of Houston graduates earn more at the median: $59,434 ten years after entry for University of North Texas and $68,423 for University of Houston. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,000 and $17,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of North Texas or University of Houston?
University of Houston does: 62.9% of University of North Texas students graduate within six years, against 65.7% at University of Houston.
How big are University of North Texas and University of Houston?
University of North Texas has 34,341 students in Denton, TX and University of Houston has 38,380 students in Houston, TX.