Houston, TX · Private University
Is University of Houston-Downtown Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$53,551
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,708
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,788
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$71,152
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.01x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
33.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,623
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Houston-Downtown graduates earn $8,551 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-Downtown ranked by graduate earnings
126 graduates
17 graduates
81 graduates
26 graduates
162 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Houston-Downtown
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-Downtown, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $78,762) and the lowest (Visual and Performing Arts, General: $21,782) is $56,980/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $78,762 | 4.4x |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $73,092 | 4.1x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $63,723 | 3.6x |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $63,064 | 3.5x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $61,702 | 3.5x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $60,344 | 3.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $60,148 | 3.4x |
| Marketing | $58,469 | 3.3x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $56,481 | 3.2x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $53,235 | 3.0x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $51,915 | 2.9x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences(1yr data) | $50,894 | 2.9x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,850 | 2.9x |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | $50,413 | 2.8x |
| International Business | $50,379 | 2.8x |
| History | $49,634 | 2.8x |
| Mathematics(1yr data) | $49,496 | 2.8x |
| Chemistry | $49,098 | 2.8x |
| Psychology, General | $48,601 | 2.7x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $48,488 | 2.7x |
| Sociology | $48,478 | 2.7x |
| Social Work | $47,085 | 2.6x |
| Political Science and Government | $40,781 | 2.3x |
| Biology, General | $40,680 | 2.3x |
| Social Sciences, General | $39,707 | 2.2x |
| Public Health(1yr data) | $35,119 | 2.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $32,182 | 1.8x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, GeneralLowest | $21,782 | 1.2x |
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-Downtown stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $53,551 10 years after starting, $8,551 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.8 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.