University of Houston vs University of Houston-Downtown

University of Houston vs University of Houston-Downtown

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both UH and UHD belong to the University of Houston System. UH is an R1: Very High Research Activity university; it is strong in research output, especially in Engineering, Health Sciences, Energy, and Business. UHD is more teaching-orientated and has a focus on undergraduate studies, applied disciplines, and regional service with less scale in research output and international rankings. UH has more recognition at the national and international levels; UHD is more regional/local oriented.

General Information

UH has total enrollment approximately 46,676 students (undergraduate + graduate), with ~ 894-acre campus, many research centers, multiple degree programs including doctoral programs. UHD has approximately 14,105 students overall, functions mainly in a 40-acre downtown campus, provides ~ 45 bachelor's and ~ 12 master's programs, with fewer graduate/doctoral programs.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions for UHD are less competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 90.6%, versus UH's 66%. UH has a more diverse pool and greater academic competition; UHD offers more open access, particularly to local and transfer students. The ranges of SAT/ACT scores are lower on average at UHD than they are at UH. Both universities apply standard holistic admissions, but UH has more stringent academic requirements for admission.

Research Impact & Facilities

UH is a large research university with numerous research centers and institutes, affiliations, extensive research funding, strong in areas such as engineering, biomedical sciences, energy, etc. UHD focuses more on instruction and applied learning; research is less of a focus, in smaller scale centers, particularly in areas such as criminal justice, business, psychology. UH's facilities, funding, labs, and international collaborations are significantly more extensive than UHD's.

Cost & Financial Aid

UH students have to pay more in tuition (particularly out-of-state) but receive greater financial assistance, grants, and scholarships. UHD tuition is generally lower, particularly for in-state and home students. UHD has a high rate of students on financial aid. Net price after grants/loans is lower for most UHD students although overall prior earnings and graduation rates are less impressive compared to UH.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UH graduates typically have higher long-term incomes, better graduation and retention rates, and stronger alumni network. UH six-year graduation rate (~ 62%) is significantly higher than UHD's (~ 34%). UH alumni enjoy Houston's huge economy, research ties, energy, healthcare, tech industry. UHD has a mission more focused on access, social mobility, education of first-generation students; its graduates tend to work locally, but long-term median wages are lower than UH.