University of Houston vs Indiana University-Bloomington
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Indiana University-Bloomington comes out ahead: 84/100 to 80/100, a 4-point edge over University of Houston. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Houston runs $14,276 a year against $16,264 at Indiana University-Bloomington - $1,988 more a year, or about $7,952 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Indiana University-Bloomington graduates earn a median $63,742 against $62,377 at University of Houston. The cost earns itself back in 7.2 years at University of Houston and 7.1 years at Indiana University-Bloomington.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Houston owing a median $18,194 versus $19,509 at Indiana University-Bloomington. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.44 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Houston | Indiana University-Bloomi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,717 | $12,144 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,547 | $41,891 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,276 | $16,264 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $57,104 | $65,056 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,100 | $44,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,377 | $63,742 |
| Graduation Rate | 64.6% | 80.2% |
| Payback Period | 7.2 yr | 7.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,194 | $19,509 |
| Monthly Payment | $193 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.44 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.2% | 82.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 67.1% | 77.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 73.9% | 78.2% |
| Enrollment | 38,380 | 37,806 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1340 | 1170-1400 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Housto... | Indiana University-B... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,929 | $6,324 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,220 | $7,610 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,528 | $12,154 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,197 | $20,204 |
| $110,001+ | $23,811 | $25,128 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Housto... | Indiana University-B... |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $78,204 | $99,653 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $98,790 | $98,539 |
| Registered Nursing | $91,276 | $81,781 |
| Mathematics | $62,833 | $89,112 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $61,122 | $78,721 |
| International Relations | $61,533 | $69,992 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $53,483 | $68,675 |
| Chemistry | $68,504 | $61,024 |
| Biology | $57,716 | $65,224 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $64,612 | $54,630 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $49,545 | $63,855 |
| Romance Languages | $56,442 | $61,757 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $54,126 | $60,199 |
| Journalism | $53,195 | $59,151 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $58,450 | $52,020 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Housto... | Indiana University-B... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 89 | 86 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 81 | 82 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 83 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 68 | 90 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 77 |
| Overall ROI Score | 80 | 84 |
The Verdict
It's close. Indiana University-Bloomington edges out University of Houston by 4 points (84 vs 80), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Houston
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Indiana University-Bloomington
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.