University of Houston - Downtown SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
UHD is accessible, but the 67% freshman retention rate is a reminder to treat admission as the starting line, not the finish. Since the SAT is required and far more common than the ACT here, aim above 1070 to move beyond the middle range.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Houston - Downtown facts and stats
University of Houston - Downtown is an urban public university located in downtown Houston, enrolling 12,622 undergraduates. UHD has a freshman retention rate of 67% and a 6-year graduation rate of 33%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. UHD is test-required for applicants.
Houston, TX
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Key University of Houston - Downtown application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
June 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
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
Because UHD requires SAT or ACT scores, plan to take your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. With the Regular Decision deadline on June 1, a December retake should still leave time for scores to arrive and for you to use any superscoring advantage.
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What you'll actually pay
At UHD, in-state tuition is $7,433 and out-of-state tuition is $19,733. About 79% of students receive financial aid, with an average merit award of $3,640. Submit the FAFSA by the April 1 priority deadline to be considered for aid.

UHD’s out-of-state tuition is $19,733, while in-state tuition is $7,433, with room and board adding $10,176. Financial aid is common, with 79% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $9,908. The average merit award is $3,640, which can further reduce costs for qualifying students. For context, average debt at graduation is $16,237.
Student life at University of Houston - Downtown
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 1% of men join fraternities, and 1% 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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