Houston vs Texas at austin — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Texas at austin is the more selective of the two (26.6% vs 73.9% acceptance). Texas at austin ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #45). Texas at austin graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $44,908 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 Houston for: lower tuition.
Choose Texas at austin for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Texas at austin is more selective (26.6% vs 73.9% acceptance); Texas at austin has a higher median SAT (1395 vs 1250).
Texas at austin graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $62K); Texas at austin has a higher 6-year graduation rate (88.9% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $44,908); Texas at austin offers a larger average aid package ($20,219 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Texas at austin |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #45 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 26.6% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 47.4% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1395 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 72,885 |
| International students | 16% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 88.9% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 96.7% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $20,500 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $44,908 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $20,219 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 75% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $19,919 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 53,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Texas at austin?
It's harder to get into Texas at austin. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Texas at austin accepts 26.6%.
Do Houston or Texas at austin graduates earn more?
Texas at austin graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $75K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Texas at austin?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $44,908 per year at Texas at austin.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Texas at austin?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1395 at Texas at austin; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Texas at austin?
Texas at austin ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #45 for Texas at austin.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Texas at austin?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $20,219 at Texas at austin.
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