Houston vs Toledo — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Houston is the more selective of the two (73.9% vs 92% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #601-700). Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $51K). Toledo has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,104 vs $22,547 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Toledo for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Houston is more selective (73.9% vs 92% acceptance); Houston has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1235).
Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $51K); Houston has a higher 6-year graduation rate (64.6% vs 57%).
Toledo has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,104 vs $22,547); Houston offers a larger average aid package ($16,450 vs $14,444).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #601-700 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 92% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 18.8% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1235 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 11,067 |
| International students | 16% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $51K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $77K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 57% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 77.3% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $22,104 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $14,444 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 61% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $23,487 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 14,358 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Toledo?
It's harder to get into Houston. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Toledo accepts 92%.
Do Houston or Toledo graduates earn more?
Houston graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $62K vs $51K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Toledo?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $22,104 per year at Toledo.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Toledo?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1235 at Toledo; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Toledo?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #601-700 for Toledo.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Toledo?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $14,444 at Toledo.
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