Connecticut vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Connecticut is the more selective of the two (52.4% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $43,712 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Connecticut for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Connecticut is more selective (52.4% vs 73.9% acceptance); Connecticut has a higher median SAT (1348 vs 1250).
Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $62K); Connecticut has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.3% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $43,712); Connecticut offers a larger average aid package ($21,535 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 31,716 |
| International students | 11% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 87% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or Houston?
It's harder to get into Connecticut. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Connecticut or Houston graduates earn more?
Connecticut graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $74K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or Houston?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $16,450 at Houston.
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