University of Houston (UofH) vs The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

When it comes to higher education in Texas, two prominent universities that often draw comparisons are the University of Houston (UH) and The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). While both institutions offer a wide range of academic programs and opportunities, there are some key differences that set them apart. UH boasts a higher acceptance rate, a more diverse student body, and a higher graduation rate. UTSA, on the other hand, has a lower student-to-faculty ratio, more affordable tuition, and a stronger focus on undergraduate research. To help you make an informed decision about which university is the right fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences in greater detail. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals, budget, and campus preferences.

	The University of Texas at San Antonio	University of Houston
Overview
Location	San Antonio, Texas	Houston, Texas
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	78.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	90.5%	65.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1020 - 1220	1140 - 1330
ACT range	18 - 26	23 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	51.0%	51.0%
Students submitting ACT score	11.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	21,726	29,721
Total number of admissions given out	19,662	19,474
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,512	5,437
Yield rate	28.0%	27.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $25,631 Out of state: $37,928	In state: $25,516 Out of state: $37,708
Average net price	$11,013	$14,339
Tuition	In state: $6,237 Out of state: $18,534	In state: $8,685 Out of state: $20,877
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,217 Meal plan: $4,147	Room/dormitory: $5,542 Meal plan: $4,420
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	81.0% Average amount $8,403	79.0% Average amount $10,409
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,018	28.0% Average amount $4,941
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $11,519	3.0% Average amount $13,286

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	29,801 Men 47.8% Women 52.2%	38,581 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students	4,933 Men 44.2% Women 55.8%	8,450 Men 45.2% Women 54.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	1.5%	N/A
International students	2.8%	7.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	4,395	8,397
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas California Colorado Illinois Florida	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences Engineering	Business Engineering Psychology Health Professions Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	26:1	21:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	51.0%	62.0%
Dropout rate	22.3%	25.3%
Transferred out	23.6%	8.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,168 Year 2: $74,786 Year 3: $83,652 Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,254 Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $78,030 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,211 Year 2: $60,264 Year 3: $73,023 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,590 Year 2: $63,180 Year 3: $70,727 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,484 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $69,865 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $72,470 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $69,652 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,474 Year 2: $62,734 Year 3: $69,012 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,646 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $66,662 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,677 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $66,389 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,900 Year 2: $54,671 Year 3: $65,990	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $110,469 Year 2: $120,138 Year 3: $121,476 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,237 Year 2: $92,563 Year 3: $101,684 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,905 Year 2: $92,809 Year 3: $101,554 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,785 Year 2: $95,549 Year 3: $99,780 Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,557 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $90,735 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,747 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $89,796 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $70,167 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $87,533 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,967 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $85,834 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,141 Year 2: $67,380 Year 3: $83,990 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,713 Year 2: $73,530 Year 3: $79,151

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Houston (UH) and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)?

The University of Houston (UH) is a large, public research university located in the heart of Houston, Texas, a major metropolitan area. It's known for its diverse student body and strong programs in STEM, business, and the arts. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is also a large, public research university, but it's located in San Antonio, Texas, a city with a rich cultural heritage. UTSA is recognized for its programs in cybersecurity, engineering, and business, and it has a growing focus on research and community engagement. UH generally has a higher overall enrollment and a more established national reputation, while UTSA is a younger institution with a rapidly growing profile.
Which university is more affordable: UH or UTSA?

Generally, both UH and UTSA offer competitive tuition rates for Texas residents. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. It's best to visit the official websites of both universities and use their net price calculators to get a personalized estimate of the cost based on your individual circumstances and financial aid eligibility. Keep in mind that scholarships and financial aid packages can significantly impact the final cost.
How do the academic programs at UH and UTSA compare?

Both UH and UTSA offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UH has a broader selection of programs, particularly at the doctoral level, and is known for its strengths in areas like engineering, business, law, and the arts. UTSA has notable programs in cybersecurity, engineering, architecture, and business, with a growing emphasis on health-related fields. Consider your specific academic interests and career goals when comparing programs. Review the curriculum, faculty expertise, and research opportunities offered by each university in your chosen field.
What is campus life like at UH versus UTSA?

UH's campus life is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the city of Houston. There are numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. UH's location in a major city provides access to a wide range of entertainment, dining, and internship opportunities. UTSA's campus life is also active, with a strong sense of community. UTSA offers a variety of student organizations, recreational facilities, and cultural events. San Antonio's unique cultural heritage and attractions contribute to a distinct campus atmosphere. Consider whether you prefer a large, urban environment or a more close-knit community with a strong cultural identity.
Which university has a stronger reputation for research?

The University of Houston generally has a stronger and more established reputation for research, particularly in areas like energy, advanced materials, and biomedicine. UH is a Tier One research university with significant funding and infrastructure dedicated to research activities. UTSA is an emerging research university with a growing focus on research and innovation, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, data science, and advanced manufacturing. While UH has a longer track record, UTSA is making significant strides in expanding its research capabilities.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between UH and UTSA?

Both UH and UTSA offer career services to help students with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job searching. UH's location in Houston, a major business hub, provides access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries. UTSA's location in San Antonio offers opportunities in sectors like cybersecurity, healthcare, and tourism. Both universities have strong relationships with local employers and host career fairs and networking events. Research the specific industries and companies you're interested in and see which university has stronger connections in those areas.
What are the admission requirements for UH and UTSA?

Admission requirements for both UH and UTSA typically include a high school diploma or GED, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a strong academic record. The specific requirements and minimum scores may vary depending on the program and the applicant's academic profile. It's best to visit the official admissions websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements, deadlines, and application procedures. UH generally has slightly more competitive admission standards than UTSA.
How does the location of UH and UTSA impact the student experience?

UH is located in Houston, a large and diverse city with a thriving economy and a wide range of cultural attractions. This provides students with access to numerous internship and job opportunities, as well as a vibrant social scene. UTSA is located in San Antonio, a city with a rich history and a strong cultural identity. San Antonio offers a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle compared to Houston, and it's known for its unique blend of Texan and Mexican cultures. Consider whether you prefer the fast-paced environment of a major metropolitan area or the more laid-back atmosphere of a culturally rich city.
Which university is better for international students?

Both UH and UTSA welcome international students and offer resources to support their academic and personal success. UH, being located in a more international city like Houston, may offer a slightly larger and more diverse international student community. Both universities have international student services offices that provide assistance with visa requirements, housing, and cultural adjustment. Research the specific support services and programs offered by each university to determine which one best meets your needs as an international student.
What are the graduation rates for UH and UTSA?

Graduation rates are an important indicator of student success. While specific graduation rates can fluctuate from year to year, UH generally has a slightly higher graduation rate than UTSA. However, both universities are committed to improving student retention and graduation rates. Consider graduation rates as one factor among many when evaluating the overall quality and effectiveness of each institution.

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