Texas Tech University vs University of Houston Comparison

Texas Tech University vs University of Houston

Texas Tech University is a top-ranked public research university in Lubbock, Texas, USA. It is a massive university with around 30,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are relatively open, with an overall acceptance rate of around 71%. The most popular majors include Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Education, and Health Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is around 63%, and the median starting salary for Texas Tech graduates is around INR 6,20,000 (around $8,000 median income ten years post-graduation).

University of Houston is a well-respected public research university located in Houston, Texas, USA. It is a big university with around 33,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are moderately accessible, with a combined acceptance rate of around 70%. Popular majors are Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Education, and Computer Science. The six-year graduation rate is around 60%, and University of Houston graduates get a median starting salary of around INR 6,50,000 (around $8,300 median income ten years after graduation).

Overview Comparison
Texas Tech UniversityUniversity of Houston
Collegedunia Score4.5 Out of 104.8 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 601 Times Higher Education 2026
# 731 QS World University 2026
# 491 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 401 Times Higher Education 2026
# 556 QS World University 2026
# 267 Center for World University Rankings 2025
Subject Strength# 117 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
# 71 for Law by US News 2024
# 72 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 401 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 63 for Law by US News 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -103
PG Programs -62
UG Programs -120
PG Programs -61
Doctorate Programs -7
Acceptance Rate71.0 %66.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
SAT-1070
TOEFL-79
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1110
TOEFL-79
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   24696
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  18270
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 21852 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   25991
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25470
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 26559 Per Year
placement (average package)

The average earnings for bachelors degree ranges from $24K to $111K for depending on the streams. The average earnings for masters degree ranges from $33K to $133K depending on the stream. 


Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Executive MBA: $192,000

MBA: $130,000

Masters in Science: $115,000

BBA: $84,000

Bachelor of Science: $68,000

Bachelor of Arts: $66,000 


application requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit English language test scores

Submit letters of recommendation

Submit personal statement

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts 

Submit English language scores

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews8.0/10 Read 3 reviews7.5/10 Read 15 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 251 for Business by QS World University 2026
# 92 for Business by US News 2025
# 501 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 201 for Business by QS World University 2026
# 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 63 for Business by US News 2024
exam scoresDuolingo - 100/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 79/120Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 47/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -24696Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -26954
application datesDec 1, 2024 (Summer/Fall Priority Scholarship Deadline)
Dec 2, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake)
May 5, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer 2025 Intake)
Jun 2, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake)
ranking# 133 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 401 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025
# 601 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025
# 110 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 401 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025
# 401 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025
exam scoresDuolingo - 100/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 79/120Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 47/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -24696Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -25991
application datesDec 1, 2024 (Summer/Fall Priority Scholarship Deadline)
Dec 2, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake)
May 5, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer 2025 Intake)
Jun 2, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsTexas Tech UniversityUniversity of Houston
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1923
1927
Student:Faculty Ratio22:1
21:1
Male:Female54% Male, 46% Female50% Male, 50% Female
Location Facts

The Texas tech university system consists of five institutions at 26 academic locations in 22 cities. The Lubbock campus is home to the main academic university, law school, and medical school (Health Sciences Center). It is one of two institutions (the other being UT Austin) in Texas to have a graduate school, law school, and medical school on its main campus.


UH is in southeast Houston, with an official address of 4800 Calhoun Road. The University of Houston's campus framework has identified the following five core districts: the Central District, the Arts District, the Professional District, the Residential District, and the Athletics District.


Library

The university libraries consists of the main library and the subject libraries like law library, architecture library etc. The libraries contain total of 2,094,423 volumes, 294 total guides, 129,671 guide views and 84,981 guide sessions. 


The University of Houston libraries include:

M.D. Anderson Library (the main library),
William R. Jenkins Architecture and Art Library,
O’Quinn Law Center Library,
Music Library,
Health Sciences Library, and

Hospitality Industry Archives

These libraries constitute a premier research facility with large collections in both print and electronic formats. These collections consist of over 3.2 million volumes, 170,000 journals, as well as access to manuscripts, maps, electronic datasets and tens of thousands of digitized images of unique items.


Campus Life

There are over 516 student clubs and organizations at Texas Tech. The Student Union Building, located centrally on campus, is the hub of daily student activity. It houses restaurants, coffee shops, a book store, meeting rooms, lecture halls, movie rooms, and study areas, as well as the offices and meeting rooms of several student organizations and the Student Government Association. Approximately 20% of students live on campus, and most students live on campus for at least a portion of their academic careers. Texas Tech's athletic teams are known as the Red Raiders with the exception of the women's basketball team, which is known as the Lady Raiders. Texas Tech competes in NCAA Division I FBS (formerly Division I-A) and is a member of the Big 12 Conference. The Carol of Lights is an annual event, sponsored by the Residence Halls Association, traditionally held the first Friday in December, to celebrate the holiday season. There are numerous such other events held on the campus. 


The University of Houston is notable for its diverse student body, and U.S. News & World Report ranks the university as the second-most ethnically diverse research university in the United States. UH has several on campus dormitories: Moody Towers, The Quad, Cougar Village I & II, Cougar Place, University Lofts, Bayou Oaks, Cullen Oaks, and Cambridge Oaks. The university has an intercollegiate sports program that competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA's Division I sports at the University of Houston include baseball, basketball, cross country, American football, golf, and track and field for men; basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field for women. The campus life offers the vibe of a small community set amongst the urban offerings of Houston. The on-campus offerings include restaurants, art exhibits, activity centers, live performances and athletic events which make our university much more than a place to learn — it's a place to thrive.


Hostel#Off campus (with family) - $3546
#On campus - $9153
#Off campus (not with family) - $9153
#Off campus (not with family) - $11067
#Off campus (with family) - $5508
#On campus - $9984
Famous Alumni

Demetrio B. Lakas, President of the Republic of Panama from 1969 to 1978.

Daniel I. J. Thornton, Governor of Colorado from 1951 to 1955

Donny Anderson, member of the Green Bay Packers 

folk rocker, John Denver

 Actor, Barry Corbin


Fred Couples, professional golfer

Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., former NASA astronaut

Bonnie J. Dunbar, former NASA astronaut

Lizzo, Grammy Award-winning singer

Jim Parsons, Emmy Award-winning actor


City Life

The cost of living in Lubbock is very affordable. In 2021, Lubbock was voted the ninth-most affordable city in the United States. That's no mean feat. At nearly 8 percent below the national average, housing, transportation, and rent prices are more affordable than comparably sized U.S. cities. The difference in rent prices are negligible between the metro area and other parts of Lubbock, so housing seekers have more options and opportunity. One could expect around $635/month for a studio apartment; $726/month for a one-bedroom; $880/month for a two-bedroom; $1,272/month for a three-bedroom; and $1,546/month for a four-bedroom rental. The job market in Lubbock is a rising star among U.S. cities. With unemployment rates lower than the U.S. average, Lubbock expects nearly 40 percent job growth in the next 10 years. Not only is Lubbock great for startups, but there are also several high-paying, job-producing companies in Lubbock that keep residents employed.


 A good place to live, Houston is the most populated city in Texas and is the fourth most populated city in the entire United States right behind Chicago. Prized for its diversity, Houston is considered one of the best places to live in Texas due to its quality of life and welcoming atmosphere. Best known for its space exploration, energy industry, and affordable cost of living, it is no wonder why Houston has become a top destination for relocation. Plus, receiving high safety ratings, Houston is attracting many families, young couples, and retirees to the area.  With a cost of living that is lower than other large cities, Houston is noticeably less expensive than living in San Francisco or living in New York City. The cost of living in Houston is also 5% less than living in Dallas and 19% less than living in Austin. To live comfortably in Houston, a recommended annual salary of almost $35,000 is advised to afford at least a one-bedroom apartment in the city. The median income in Houston is $52,338. Houston's booming job market is one of the many reasons the population is skyrocketing. Not only is real estate affordable but thousands of jobs are attracting young professionals to the area. The most popular industries in Houston are oil and gas, medical research, aerospace, technology, and healthcare. Some of the largest employers and businesses in the area include Walmart, Memorial Hermann Health Services, Shell Oil Company, United Airlines, Kroger, and Houston Methodist.


Weather
Comparison Notes

Texas Tech University vs University of Houston

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Texas Tech University and the University of Houston are both reputable public research universities based in Texas, recognized for their regional strength and academic programs. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, University of Houston is ranked around 556 worldwide and Texas Tech University in the 731–740 band. Based on the US News Global Rankings 2026, University of Houston is ranked at 416 worldwide, while Texas Tech is ranked 568th. Houston ranks in the 401–500 band in THE World University Rankings 2026, while Texas Tech is ranked in the 601–800 band. University of Houston is specifically known for hospitality, petroleum engineering, business, and health sciences strength, while Texas Tech University is renowned for engineering, business, agricultural sciences, and law.

General Information

University of Houston, established in 1927, is a large public R1 research university in Houston, Texas, with about 46,000 students from diverse backgrounds. It has a very robust research focus, particularly in energy, business, law, hospitality, and health sciences, with a worldwide outlook and industry engagement.

Texas Tech University, founded in 1923, is another large public research university based in Lubbock, Texas, with around 40,000 students. It has good programs in engineering, business, law, agriculture, and the sciences, with a regional orientation and developing research capacity.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both universities share and moderately selective admissions profiles. Texas Tech University is 71% acceptance, and thus rather open to a diverse population of students, with an emphasis on academic performance and technical career-based programs. University of Houston is 70% acceptance, which shows the same level of selectivity. Both institutions review applicants through high school work, standardized tests (optional in certain cases), personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

Research Impact & Facilities

University of Houston is an R1 (Very High Research Activity) institution, with vast research infrastructure, particularly in energy, health, business, law, and environmental studies. It boasts numerous specialized research centers and labs for conducting high-impact research and industrial partnerships.

Texas Tech University maintains R2 status (High Research Activity) with strengths in engineering, agriculture, business, and law. Solid research facilities are offered with a developing focus on applied research and local industry collaborations, though smaller than Houston's global research profile.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both institutions have relatively cheap tuition, particularly for state students. Foreign students pay more but enjoy good competitive pricing as opposed to private universities. Both institutions have various financial aid opportunities that include merit- and need-based scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to fund both domestic and foreign students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
 

University of Houston alumni excel in energy, hospitality, business, healthcare, and research industries with the backing of the university's robust industry connections and international partnerships. The extensive network of alumni facilitates graduates' access to opportunities in the U.S. and globally.

Texas Tech graduates are often strong in engineering, business, agriculture, and law, and work well in Texas and the surrounding states. The school focuses on practical workforce training, with good linkage to local industries leading to solid job placement in local markets.