University Of Houston: Student Population Insights

how many students go to university of houston

The University of Houston (UH) is a public, tier-one research university located near the heart of Houston. It was founded in 1927 and has since grown to become one of the most diverse universities in America, with nearly 47,000 students from across the nation and over 140 countries. The university offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, education, health, law, and the arts. UH also has a strong focus on student success, aiming to support all students, regardless of their background, in graduating from college. With a wide range of resources and opportunities, UH strives to provide an affordable and accessible education to its diverse student body, which includes a significant number of first-generation college students.

Characteristics Values
Total number of students Nearly 47,000
Undergraduate enrollment 37,946 (Fall 2023)
Gender distribution 48.1% male, 51.9% female
Students living in college-owned or affiliated housing 18%
Number of intercollegiate sports teams 17
Number of student organizations 500+
Campus size 895 acres
Tuition fees (in-state) $11,882
Tuition fees (out-of-state) $27,482
Number of degree programs 250+
Carnegie Classifications "Very High Research Activity" (R1) and "Opportunity College & University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings"

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The University of Houston has a total of nearly 47,000 students

The University of Houston (UH) is a public, tier-one research university that offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of disciplines. UH is one of the most diverse universities in America, with nearly 47,000 students coming from all over the nation and more than 140 countries. The student body is made up of 48.1% male students and 51.9% female students, with 40% receiving Pell grants and 45% being the first in their families to attend college.

UH has a strong focus on student success, aiming to support all students in graduating regardless of their financial or family background. The university offers a range of resources and opportunities to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future endeavours. This includes scholarships totalling $85 million, with a goal of reaching $300 million. UH also boasts over 500 student organizations and 17 intercollegiate sports teams, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and find their community.

The University of Houston is the flagship institution of the UH System, which includes three other stand-alone universities: the University of Houston–Clear Lake (UHCL), the University of Houston–Downtown (UHD), and the University of Houston–Victoria (UHV). UH's campus is located near the heart of Houston and spans 895 acres. The campus features the Professional District, home to the Law Centre, the Cullen College of Engineering, and the C.T. Bauer College of Business, and the Residential District, which includes undergraduate dormitories and colleges for hospitality leadership and optometry.

UH continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in graduate education, with 15 programs placing in the top 50 of U.S. rankings in 2025. The university has also been named one of only 21 institutions nationwide to earn both the “Very High Research Activity” (R1) and “Opportunity College & University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings” designations in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This recognition highlights UH's leadership in advancing research innovation and socioeconomic mobility.

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There are 37,946 undergraduate students at the university

The University of Houston is a vibrant and diverse institution, and its student body reflects this energy. As of the latest enrollment data, there are approximately 37,946 undergraduate students pursuing their academic goals at the university. This number showcases the university's appeal and impact on a large scale. With such a substantial student population, the university is a bustling hub of activity, offering a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities to engage its vast undergraduate community.

The undergraduate population at the University of Houston is a significant portion of the overall student body. While the university also caters to graduate and professional students, the undergraduate segment comprises the majority, shaping the culture and dynamics of the campus. This large undergraduate population contributes to a vibrant and diverse academic environment, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a rich exchange of ideas.

With nearly 38,000 undergraduate students, the University of Houston is committed to providing a comprehensive and enriching educational experience. This involves offering a broad spectrum of academic programs to cater to varied interests and career aspirations. The university's undergraduate catalog boasts an extensive list of majors, minors, and degree programs across multiple disciplines, ensuring that students can explore a diverse range of academic pathways.

The large undergraduate population also contributes to a dynamic campus life. With so many students, the university is a hotspot for extracurricular activities, student organizations, athletic events, and cultural initiatives. This enriches the overall student experience, providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community building beyond the classroom. The university encourages and supports student engagement through various resources and facilities designed to enhance their overall well-being and sense of belonging.

The University of Houston's undergraduate enrollment figure of 37,946 speaks to its accessibility and appeal as a higher education institution. It suggests that the university is an attractive choice for a significant number of students seeking quality education in the region. This enrollment figure also underscores the university's commitment to serving a diverse student body, fostering inclusivity, and providing access to a broad spectrum of learners.

Lastly, the University of Houston's undergraduate student population contributes significantly to the overall fabric of the city of Houston. With nearly 38,000 undergraduate students, the university injects a youthful energy and intellectual vibrancy into the local community. This population of students also contributes to the city's economic and cultural landscape, engaging with local businesses, participating in community initiatives, and adding to the diverse social fabric that defines Houston.

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48.1% of students are male, and 51.9% are female

The University of Houston is a diverse and inclusive institution, with a nearly equal gender distribution among its student body. As of Fall 2023, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 37,946 students, with a slight majority of female students. Specifically, 48.1% of students are male, while 51.9% are female. This equates to roughly 18,252 male students and 19,694 female students.

This gender distribution reflects the university's commitment to providing access and opportunities for all, regardless of background. The University of Houston welcomes students from a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating a rich and vibrant campus community.

The university's focus on inclusivity and accessibility is further demonstrated by its urban setting, 895-acre campus, and the fact that 18% of students live in college-affiliated housing, with 82% living off-campus. This mix of on-campus and off-campus living provides options for students with varying needs and preferences, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within the university community.

The University of Houston's dedication to accessibility is also evident in its efforts to offer affordable education. With in-state tuition and fees set at $11,882 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $27,482, the university strives to make higher education attainable for students from all economic backgrounds, ensuring that a diverse range of individuals can access the opportunities provided by the institution.

The nearly equal gender distribution at the University of Houston contributes to a well-rounded and representative student population, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives and experiences enrich the educational experience for all. This balance between male and female students enhances the university's overall commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility, creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.

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40% of students receive Pell grants

The University of Houston is a public institution founded in 1927 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 37,946 students for the fall of 2023. The university is one of the most diverse in America, with students from across the nation and 140 countries worldwide.

The University of Houston has a strong commitment to student success, regardless of financial or family background. This is reflected in the fact that 40% of its students receive Pell Grants, and 45% are the first in their families to pursue a college education. The Federal Pell Grant Program is a cornerstone of federal financial aid, providing need-based grants to undergraduate students. These grants do not need to be repaid and can offer substantial financial support, with a maximum award of up to $7,395 for the 2024-2025 academic year. The grant amount is determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI), cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

The University of Houston has made significant progress in addressing socioeconomic disparities, as evidenced by the near disappearance of the graduation gap between Pell Grant recipients and their counterparts. This success can be attributed to the university's focus on providing equal opportunities for all students.

To be eligible for a Pell Grant, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. The University of Houston also offers additional grants, such as the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), to supplement financial aid for its students. These grants are available to both FAFSA and TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid) students based on financial need and fund availability.

The University of Houston's dedication to student success and commitment to overcoming financial barriers are evident in its efforts to secure necessary funding. The university aims to increase state funds and philanthropic support to offer more comprehensive support to its diverse student body.

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The University of Houston is one of four distinct institutions in the University of Houston System

The University of Houston (UH) is a public research university in Houston, Texas, founded in 1927. It is the flagship institution of the University of Houston System, which is a four-university organisation. The University of Houston System was created in 1977 under House Bill 188 during the 65th Texas Legislature. The University of Houston itself has a large student body, with around 37,000 undergraduate and 8,600 graduate students, and a worldwide alumni network of over 330,000.

The University of Houston System is made up of four distinct universities, each with its own separate identity and degree-conferring powers. The other three universities in the system are the University of Houston–Clear Lake (UHCL), the University of Houston–Downtown (UHD), and the University of Houston–Victoria (UHV). These universities are not instructional sites of UH and have their own unique campuses and programmes.

The University of Houston System is governed by a board of regents, which has control over the four distinct institutions. The board consists of a chair, vice-chair, secretary, and seven other members, including one student regent who serves a one-year term. The University of Houston System is the fourth-largest university system in Texas, with more than 70,000 students and nearly 500,000 alumni across the four universities.

The University of Houston, as the flagship institution, has a significant impact on the Texas economy, contributing over $3 billion annually and generating about 24,000 jobs. It offers a wide range of academic programmes, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, engineering, education, health, law, and the arts. The university also has a strong focus on research, with a "Very High Research Activity" (R1) designation and an annual research expenditure of approximately $240 million.

Frequently asked questions

As of Fall 2023, the University of Houston has a total undergraduate enrollment of 37,946 students. The gender distribution is 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

Yes, the University of Houston is one of the largest universities in the United States, with a total student population of nearly 47,000 students.

The University of Houston is a public, tier one research university. It offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines.

The University of Houston is ranked #144 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges for National Universities. It has also been named one of only 21 institutions in the US to earn both the "Very High Research Activity" (R1) and "Opportunity College & University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings" designations.

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