University of Houston vs University of Colorado Boulder
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Houston and University of Colorado Boulder come out about even on financial return. University of Houston scores 80/100 and University of Colorado Boulder scores 80/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Houston runs $14,276 a year against $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - $11,070 more a year, or about $44,280 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median $69,738 against $62,377 at University of Houston. The cost earns itself back in 7.2 years at University of Houston and 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Houston owing a median $18,194 versus $19,500 at University of Colorado Boulder. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.46 - 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 | 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
It's close. University of Houston edges out University of Colorado Boulder by 0 points (80 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
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.