Houston, TX · Private University
Is University of Houston-Clear Lake Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$59,004
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,746
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,330
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$85,320
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.77x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
50.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$17,831
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$11,056
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Houston-Clear Lake graduates earn $14,004 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Houston-Clear Lake ranked by graduate earnings
22 graduates
38 graduates
46 graduates
28 graduates
45 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Houston-Clear Lake
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Houston-Clear Lake, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $93,001) and the lowest (Behavioral Sciences: $32,986) is $60,015/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI(1yr data) | $93,001 | 4.4x |
| Computer Engineering | $80,615 | 3.8x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $70,808 | 3.3x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $68,564 | 3.2x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $67,590 | 3.2x |
| Computer Science | $64,327 | 3.0x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $60,890 | 2.9x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $58,271 | 2.7x |
| Mathematics | $57,661 | 2.7x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $54,184 | 2.5x |
| Criminology | $54,123 | 2.5x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $53,078 | 2.5x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $52,995 | 2.5x |
| Marketing | $51,416 | 2.4x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $51,160 | 2.4x |
| Biology, General | $50,154 | 2.4x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $49,368 | 2.3x |
| History | $48,906 | 2.3x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $48,711 | 2.3x |
| Legal Support Services | $48,678 | 2.3x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $47,725 | 2.2x |
| Psychology, General | $46,496 | 2.2x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $44,375 | 2.1x |
| Behavioral SciencesLowest(1yr data) | $32,986 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Houston-Clear Lake stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $59,004 10 years after starting, $14,004 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.6 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.