West virginia vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Houston is the more selective of the two (73.9% vs 89% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #201-300). Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $56K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $28,608 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 West virginia for: a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
Choose Houston 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
Houston is more selective (73.9% vs 89% acceptance); Houston has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1122).
Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $56K); West virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (64.7% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $28,608); West virginia offers a larger average aid package ($16,730 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | West virginia | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 89% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1122 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 20,150 | 31,716 |
| International students | 5% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $53K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 64.7% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 83.4% | 87% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $28,608 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,730 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 63% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,010 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $65 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,643 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into West virginia or Houston?
It's harder to get into Houston. West virginia accepts 89% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do West virginia or Houston graduates earn more?
Houston graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $62K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at West virginia vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,608 per year at West virginia and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for West virginia or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1122 at West virginia and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — West virginia or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for West virginia vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — West virginia or Houston?
The average aid package is $16,730 at West virginia and $16,450 at Houston.
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