University of Houston vs Texas Southern University

University of Houston vs Texas Southern University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both TSU and UH are established public universities in Houston; UH performs much better in comparisons that include rankings, research production, and salary for alumni. The research performed by UH is superior, with improved graduation rates and better post-graduation incomes. TSU is ranked as an R2 (doctoral high research university), but its graduation rates and median earnings performance fall far behind that of UH. TSU doesn't appear in most of the global ranking levels; UH ranks in more national/global comparisons.

General Information

UH has ~ 37,946 undergrads (full-time + part-time) and a much larger student body overall than TSU, with ~ 6,844 undergrads. The campus of UH is urban, with numerous graduate programs and research facilities; TSU has a smaller campus, serves more local and underserved populations, and has fewer resources compared.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

The acceptance rate at UH is approximately 66-70%, which equates to moderately competitive admission; the acceptance rate at TSU is ~ 93-94%, which equates to very open admission. UH accepts students with more robust academic measures on average; the entering students at TSU have lower standardized test score means among those who report, and some do not report scores. TSU prioritizes more open access.

Research Impact & Facilities

UH is more actively involved in research, receives more funding, possesses more facilities, and has more robust output in several STEM and business fields. TSU also conducts research programs, particularly in mission-relevant fields (health, social justice, public affairs), but the scope and influence are less compared to UH.

Cost & Financial Aid

Net price, grant aid, tuition etc., for TSU are reasonably cheap relative to many colleges; UH is higher-priced for non-residents but grants, scholarships, and assistance are available. TSU offers a high percentage of recipients of financial aid.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UH has a superior outcome over TSU in graduation rate (~62-65% for UH and ~23% for TSU), alumni salaries (much higher for UH), most likely more favorable job placement and networking via its research, business, engineering schools. TSU does have an important role to play in serving underrepresented students and is strong in specific areas such as criminal justice, health professions, etc., but overall career outcomes are less robust than UH.