University Of Houston Acceptance Rate: 2026/2027 Admissions Statistics And Requirements

If you are considering studying at the University of Houston, one of the first things you need to know is its acceptance rate. The latest completed freshman admission data shows that UH admitted about 75.8% of applicants. In this article, we explain what that number means, how many students applied and were admitted, and the GPA, SAT, ACT and other requirements you should know.

What Is The University Of Houston Acceptance Rate?

The latest completed freshman admission data puts the University of Houston acceptance rate at about 75.8%.

In simple terms, this means that approximately 76 out of every 100 first-year applicants were admitted in that reported admission cycle.

The figure is calculated using the number of students admitted divided by the number of completed applications.

Using the reported figures:

• First-year applicants: 34,728
• Students admitted: 26,312
• Calculated acceptance rate: approximately 75.8%

The calculation is:

• 26,312 ÷ 34,728 × 100 ≈ 75.8%

It is important to understand that this is an admission statistic for a particular completed cycle. It should not be treated as a guarantee that an individual applicant has a 75.8% chance of admission.

The University of Houston’s Institutional Research office publishes Common Data Sets for different academic years, allowing applicants and researchers to review the university’s reported admission information.

University Of Houston Acceptance Rate For The Latest Admission Cycle

The latest completed first-year figures show that UH admitted a large portion of its applicant pool.

These numbers describe the first-year applicant pool and should not be confused with transfer admission statistics, graduate admission statistics or University of Houston Law Center admissions.

The university’s reporting glossary explains that its “applied” category refers to completed applications, while the “admitted” figure represents applicants who were admitted to UH.

Is The University Of Houston Acceptance Rate Increasing?

The number of students interested in the University of Houston has continued to grow.

In August 2026, the university announced that it had received nearly 39,000 completed freshman applications, a 12% increase from the previous year. UH also reported a record freshman class of nearly 7,100 students for fall 2026.

This is important because the latest application total is not the same thing as the latest published acceptance rate.

The nearly 39,000 applications figure relates to the 2026 freshman class, while the approximately 75.8% acceptance rate is based on the latest completed admissions data available in the 2025-2026 Common Data Set.

Therefore, it would be misleading to calculate a 2026 acceptance rate by simply taking the nearly 39,000 applications and comparing them with the nearly 7,100 students who enrolled. Enrollment and admission are not the same thing.

A student can be admitted to a university without ultimately enrolling.

Also Read: University Of Florida Acceptance Rate: Full Breakdown What You Need To Know

How Many Students Apply To The University Of Houston?

The University of Houston has seen strong interest from prospective freshmen.

For the latest completed admission data discussed above, there were 34,728 first-year applicants.

The university then reported nearly 39,000 completed freshman applications for fall 2026, showing that application volume increased again.

The increase in applications is useful context when looking at the acceptance rate. A university’s acceptance rate is affected by both the number of students applying and the number of students the university admits.

For that reason, students should avoid relying on an old acceptance-rate figure when researching a current application.

How Many Students Does The University Of Houston Admit?

In the latest completed first-year admission figures, the University of Houston admitted 26,312 applicants out of 34,728 applicants.

That is why the calculated acceptance rate is approximately 75.8%.

However, being admitted is different from actually attending the university.

For fall 2026, UH reported a freshman class of nearly 7,100 students. The university also reported more than 4,100 new transfer students.

This difference between admitted students and enrolled students is normal in university admissions because some admitted students choose another university, postpone enrollment or decide not to attend.

Does The University Of Houston Have A High Acceptance Rate?

The latest reported acceptance rate is approximately 75.8%, meaning UH admitted more than three-quarters of its first-year applicants in that completed cycle.

However, students should be careful about interpreting the number as meaning admission is automatic.

The University of Houston has specific academic pathways for assured admission. Students who do not meet those pathways can still be considered through the university’s individual review process.

The university currently lists three assured-admission pathways for incoming freshmen:

• Top 10% of the graduating class
• A 3.5 or higher unweighted GPA calculated by UH
• A 1250 or higher SAT score or 26 or higher ACT score

Students who do not meet an assured-admission pathway may still be reviewed individually. UH says the review can consider the student’s application essay and resume.

Therefore, the acceptance rate should be viewed as a historical admission statistic rather than an admission guarantee.

University Of Houston Admission Requirements

Understanding the acceptance rate is useful, but prospective students also need to understand what UH expects from applicants.

For incoming freshmen, the University of Houston currently allows students to apply either with or without SAT or ACT scores.

The university says it is test optional through fall 2030, meaning freshmen can choose whether to submit a test score. UH also states that applicants are not disadvantaged simply because they apply without a test score.

Students applying without test scores still have other requirements.

UH says applicants must provide their core academic grades and submit an admissions essay and resume through the application.

Students applying through the test-optional pathway should therefore not assume that submitting no test score means submitting less information overall.

University of Houston SAT And ACT Requirements

For students who choose to apply with test scores, UH accepts SAT and ACT scores.

The university lists the following scores for its assured-admission pathway:

• SAT: 1250 or higher
• ACT: 26 or higher

These scores are part of the university’s assured-admission pathways, not necessarily minimum scores that every applicant must have.

A student who does not meet the stated assured-admission requirements may still receive consideration through individual review.

This distinction matters because an assured-admission requirement and a general minimum admission requirement are not always the same thing.

What GPA Do You Need For The University Of Houston?

UH currently lists a 3.5 or higher unweighted GPA as one of its assured-admission pathways for incoming freshmen.

The university says it calculates this GPA using grades in English, mathematics, science and social studies from the applicant’s transcript. Extracurricular classes are not included in this calculation.

Students who have a lower GPA should not automatically assume that applying is pointless.

UH explains that applicants who do not meet its assured-admission requirements can be considered through individual review.

Because admission policies can change, students should always check the university’s official admissions page for the requirements that apply to their specific entry term.

Is The University Of Houston Test Optional?

Yes.

The University of Houston currently allows incoming freshman applicants to apply with or without SAT or ACT scores.

UH says the test-optional policy applies through fall 2030. Applicants who choose not to submit test scores are not disadvantaged simply because they apply without a score.

However, test-optional does not mean requirements disappear.

Applicants still need to complete the application correctly, provide the required academic information and submit the required essay and resume.

Students should also remember that certain majors can have additional requirements beyond the university’s general freshman admission requirements.

How To Apply To The University Of Houston

Incoming freshmen can apply to the University of Houston through Common App or ApplyTexas.

The university’s current application process includes several steps:

• Complete the online application.
• Pay the application fee or request a fee waiver if eligible.
• Self-report the required transcript information.
• Submit SAT or ACT scores if applying with test scores.
• Complete the required essay and extracurricular information.
• Monitor the applicant’s myUH account for updates and additional requirements.

UH currently lists a $75 application fee for U.S. applicants and $90 for international students, although eligible students may qualify for an application fee waiver.

Applicants should pay close attention to deadlines because the dates can differ depending on whether they are applying as a U.S. freshman or international freshman and which semester they plan to enter.

University Of Houston Acceptance Rate For International Students

International applicants should not assume that the general University of Houston acceptance rate tells them exactly what their own admission chances will be.

The university specifically states that admission requirements are different for international students.

International applicants should therefore review the university’s international freshman requirements rather than relying only on the overall acceptance rate.

This is especially important for students applying from outside the United States because documentation, academic qualifications and other requirements may differ from those for U.S. applicants.

Does The Acceptance Rate Guarantee Admission?

No.

An acceptance rate is a historical statistic. It describes what happened to a particular group of applicants during a particular admission cycle.

It does not mean that every applicant has exactly the same probability of admission.

For example, two students may apply to the same university with different academic records, qualifications, application materials and intended majors.

The University of Houston also notes that some majors have additional requirements beyond the general freshman admission requirements.

Therefore, students should use the acceptance rate as one piece of information when researching UH rather than treating it as a guaranteed admission percentage.

University Of Houston Acceptance Rate: What Should Students Take From It?

The latest completed first-year admission data shows an acceptance rate of approximately 75.8%, based on 26,312 admitted students out of 34,728 applicants.

At the same time, UH’s 2026 freshman application volume increased to nearly 39,000 completed applications, while the university welcomed nearly 7,100 new freshmen.

These figures show why it is important to look at the admission cycle attached to any acceptance-rate number.

If you are planning to apply to the University of Houston, focus on the requirements for your specific entry term, your academic record, application materials and any additional requirements for your intended major.

Most importantly, check the official University of Houston admissions website before submitting your application because admission requirements, deadlines and policies can change.

Frequently Asked Questions About The University Of Houston Acceptance Rate

What Is The University Of Houston Acceptance Rate?

The latest completed first-year admission data in the university’s 2025-2026 Common Data Set indicates an acceptance rate of approximately 75.8%, based on 34,728 applicants and 26,312 admitted students.

How Many Students Applied To The University Of Houston?

The latest completed admission data recorded 34,728 first-year applicants. For fall 2026, UH later reported nearly 39,000 completed freshman applications.

What GPA Do I Need For Assured Admission To UH?

The University of Houston currently lists a 3.5 or higher unweighted GPA as one of its assured-admission pathways for incoming freshmen.

What SAT Score Qualifies For Assured Admission?

UH currently lists a 1250 or higher SAT score as one of its assured-admission pathways.

What ACT Score Qualifies For Assured Admission?

UH currently lists a 26 or higher ACT score as one of its assured-admission pathways.

Does The University Of Houston Have Additional Requirements For Some Majors?

Yes. UH states that some majors have additional requirements beyond the general freshman admission requirements. Students should check the requirements for their intended major before applying.

Is The University Of Houston A Good School?

The University of Houston (UH) is a public research university in Texas with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university reports more than 289 degree programs, nearly 49,000 students, and significant research activity. Whether UH is the right school for you depends on your preferred program, budget, location and academic goals.

Does The University Of Houston Have Dorms?

Yes. The University of Houston has on-campus housing for students. UH currently lists seven residential halls, including Bayou Oaks, Cougar Place, Cougar Village I and II, Moody Towers, The Quad and University Lofts.

Where Is The University Of Houston Located?

The University of Houston is located in Houston, Texas, United States. Its main campus is part of the Houston community and provides students with access to the city’s large academic, business and cultural environment.

Does The University Of Houston Require The SAT?

No, the University of Houston is currently test optional for freshman applicants. Students can apply with or without SAT or ACT scores through June 1, 2030. However, UH lists a 1250 SAT or 26 ACT as one of its assured-admission pathways. Some programs may have additional requirements, so students should check their intended major carefully.

How Much Is tuition At The University Of Houston?

Tuition at UH depends on factors such as whether you are a Texas resident, your major and the number of credit hours you take. For the 2026–27 academic year, UH estimates undergraduate tuition and fees at about $11,888 for Texas residents and $27,776 for out-of-state students based on two 15-hour semesters. These figures are estimates and do not include every possible cost.

Is The University Of Houston Public Or Private?

The University of Houston is a public research university. It is the largest public research university in Houston and one of the largest universities in Texas.

When Was The University Of Houston Founded?

The University of Houston was founded in 1927. It has since grown into a major public research university serving students from Texas, other parts of the United States and around the world.

Does The University Of Houston Have A Nursing Program?

Yes. The University of Houston has a Gessner College of Nursing that offers nursing programs, including a Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathway. The Traditional BSN has specific admission requirements, including academic coursework and SAT or ACT scores on file.

What Is The University Of Houston Known For?

The University of Houston is known for its broad range of academic programs, research activities and its role as a major public research university in Houston. UH reports more than 289 degree programs, more than 2,800 faculty members and $276 million in research expenditures.

Is The University Of Houston Division I?

Yes. The University of Houston competes in NCAA Division I athletics. Its athletic teams are known as the Houston Cougars. The university competes in the Big 12 Conference, including sports such as football and basketball.