University of Houston SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Houston’s admit rate means admission is within reach for many prepared students, so your strategy should be to land comfortably above the middle of the applicant pool. Since 46% of students submit SAT scores, aim for the upper end of Houston’s range, around 1330 SAT or 29 ACT, if testing is a strength.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Houston facts and stats
University of Houston enrolls 39,257 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Houston has a 65% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1.
Houston, TX
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Key University of Houston application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
June 2
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Houston, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. Because Houston’s Regular Decision deadline is June 2, a December SAT or ACT should be the last retake you need for scores to arrive in time and support superscoring.
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What you'll actually pay
Houston is a Big 12 public university with in-state tuition of $10,856 and out-of-state tuition of $26,456. About 64% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $4,301. Submit the FAFSA by the January 15 priority deadline to be considered for aid.
For out-of-state students, Houston’s tuition is $26,456, while in-state tuition is $10,856; room and board adds about $11,286. About 64% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $16,450. Merit awards average $4,301, which can help reduce remaining costs. Students graduate with an average debt of $21,819.
Student life at University of Houston
18% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 3% of men join fraternities, and 3% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TXAcceptance rate: 66%
SAT: 1000–1230
ACT: 19–27
Amberton University
Garland, TXAcceptance rate: 63.9%
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TXAcceptance rate: 100%
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TXAcceptance rate: 100%
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