University of Houston vs University of Colorado Boulder
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of Houston and University of Colorado Boulder are closely matched on financial return. University of Houston scores 80/100 while University of Colorado Boulder scores 80/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, University of Houston comes in at $14,276 per year (net price after aid) versus $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - a difference of $11,070 annually, or roughly $44,280 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median of $69,738 compared to $62,377 at University of Houston. The payback period is 7.2 years at University of Houston versus 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Graduates leave University of Houston with a median $18,194 in debt versus $19,500 at University of Colorado Boulder. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.46 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Houston | University of Colorado Bo... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,717 | $15,666 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,547 | $44,918 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,276 | $25,346 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $57,104 | $101,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,100 | $42,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,377 | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 64.6% | 74.2% |
| Payback Period | 7.2 yr | 6.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,194 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $193 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.2% | 82.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 67.1% | 77.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 73.9% | 78.1% |
| Enrollment | 38,380 | 31,939 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1340 | 1240-1430 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Housto... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,929 | $14,231 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,220 | $14,381 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,528 | $18,828 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,197 | $26,915 |
| $110,001+ | $23,811 | $34,818 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Housto... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $107,283 | $115,181 |
| Chemical Engineering | $110,184 | $95,780 |
| Electrical Engineering | $107,399 | $100,631 |
| Civil Engineering | $89,653 | $94,960 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,275 | $93,073 |
| Mathematics | $62,833 | $90,635 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $73,125 | $86,441 |
| Physics | $86,078 | $75,764 |
| Economics | $78,204 | $73,319 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $60,180 | $74,779 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $58,705 | $72,306 |
| International Relations | $61,533 | $69,651 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $61,122 | $68,488 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $68,127 | $60,453 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $49,545 | $66,623 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Housto... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 89 | 75 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 81 | 83 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 80 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 68 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 80 | 80 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Houston edges out University of Colorado Boulder by 0 points (80 vs 80), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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University of Houston
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Colorado Boulder
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.