University of Houston Clear Lake: Courses, Fees, and Rankings

University of Houston Clear Lake provides a quality, affordable education with a focus on career-ready outcomes in the real world. Since its establishment in 1971 as a member of the University of Houston System, UHCL has emerged as the premier choice for students pursuing business, science, education, healthcare, and arts degrees, making it one of the best public universities. Through its commitment to experiential learning, community engagement, and applied research, UHCL ensures that graduates are successful in the fast-paced professional world of today. Whether researching UHCL graduate school programs, undergraduate majors, or a particular University of Houston Clear Lake MBA, this article has everything you want to know about programs, tuition fees, rankings, admissions, and campus life.

University of Houston Clear Lake - An Overview

Located close to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the University of Houston Clear Lake campus is ideally situated in a science and technology hub. The university educates more than 9,000 students in four colleges: Business, Education, Human Sciences and Humanities, and Science and Engineering. UHCL academic programs maintain a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing small classes, individualized instruction, and mentoring by award-winning faculty. UHCL offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degrees, including high-demand concentrations in fields such as cybersecurity, healthcare administration, social work, and finance. Students engage in more than 80 student organizations, leadership initiatives, and research experiences to enhance an academically and socially satisfying college life. Technology-stocked laboratories, a newly developed STEM building, art galleries, and a wellness center are available on campus to offer a complete college life.

University of Houston Clear Lake Rankings

While a local institution, the University of Houston Clear Lake ranking increases annually due to its academic quality and focus on student success. UHCL regularly shows up in the U.S. News & World Report regional rankings, and the graduate programs in Education and Business are particularly well thought of within Texas. The University of Houston Clear Lake MBA is well respected for flexibility of delivery, affordability, and responsiveness to local industry need. UHCL is a Military Friendly School and also a Hispanic-serving institution, which indicates the mission-oriented and welcoming nature of the institution.

University of Houston Clear Lake Courses

The University of Houston Clear Lake courses of study range across a broad range of specializations. There are undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees that students can pursue in areas that carry good growth prospects as there is always merit in pursuing a higher education..

Undergraduate Degrees

The University of Houston Clear Lake bachelor's degrees provide students with analytical skills, functional skills, and leadership skills in areas that meet regional and global employment demand. UHCL currently offers more than 40 undergraduate programs across its four colleges: Business, Education, Human Sciences and Humanities, and Science and Engineering.

The most sought-after undergraduate degrees include Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, Education, Criminology, and Business Administration, just to mention a few. The university also boasts unique interdisciplinary programs like Legal Studies, Fitness and Human Performance, and Environmental Management.

All UHCL undergraduate programs are based on experiential learning. Internships, fieldwork, lab research, service learning, and capstone projects engage students in real-world application prior to graduation. Education is offered by faculty who are more highly qualified than at most colleges and universities and are practitioners and researchers in their area of expertise. In addition, UHCL student living facilities and UHCL campus life offer students a total college experience inside and outside the classroom.

There are programs like the BS in Computer Science that have tracks into well-paying careers in software engineering and cybersecurity, and Education majors can get practical experience through teaching practicums at the local schools with assistance from UHCL's long-standing relationship with the Houston-area school district.

Postgraduate Degrees

UHCL graduate classes are designed to satisfy the increasing demands for professional higher education and intellectual inquiry in advanced fields. Over 50 graduate degrees are made available by UHCL in flexible formats to suit full-time students, working professionals, and transitioners.

The master's programs at the University of Houston Clear Lake traverse various fields like:

Clinical Psychology – to licensure and practice in mental health clinics.
Education Administration – the perfect choice for future school administrators and district officials.
Environmental Studies – with a focus on sustainable development, conservation, and environmental policy.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology – preparing professionals to lead HR, design workplaces, and measure performance.

A favorite is the University of Houston Clear Lake MBA. Offered for maximum flexibility, the MBA can be taken online, evenings, or hybrid. Specializations are offered in Finance, Management, Business Analytics, and International Business. The program is best known for its application-focused curriculum and high rate of return on investment, especially for mid-career professionals.

Other favorite university of Houston Clear Lake graduate programs are:

MS in Computer Information Systems – to focus on database systems, networking, and cybersecurity for IT professionals.
MS in Counseling – to become licensed mental health or school counselors.
MHA (Master of Healthcare Administration) – to be the hospital, clinic, and health policy leaders.

Doctoral Degrees

For those aspiring to be research, academic, and policy leaders, the doctoral programs at the University of Houston Clear Lake deliver practice-grounded, theory-based, and forward-thinking training.

Some of the renowned doctoral programs include:

EdD in Educational Leadership – Catering to experienced school educators and administrators, the program prepares them to lead systemic change. The focus is on educational equity, data-informed decision making, and instructional leadership.
PhD in Psychology – Specializing in school psychology and clinical applications, this doctoral level prepares graduates for academic, research, or senior-level clinical positions. The curriculum includes psychological assessment, mental health intervention, and scientific research design.
EdD in Curriculum & Instruction – For teacher leaders, curriculum designers, and education consultants, this doctoral degree develops instructional strategies, curriculum development, and theory of pedagogy.

All UHCL doctoral students collaborate closely with faculty mentors, attend seminars and research forums, and enjoy fieldwork and applied project access through Houston-based organizations.

With an overriding focus on leadership development, community involvement, and critical analysis, UHCL graduate and doctoral programs are designed to build transformational leaders who possess the expertise to transform schools, businesses, and public institutions. Numerous doctoral students also enjoy UHCL scholarships, assistantships, and flexible schedules, which open up doctoral studies to more people at more affordable rates.

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University of Houston Clear Lake Tuition Fees

Knowing how much it costs per semester to attend the University of Houston Clear Lake is important in budgeting your schooling. UHCL has a history of providing one of the lowest degree plans in the area without sacrificing quality.

Undergraduate Tuition (2024-2025): In-state students pay about $5,900 per semester. Out-of-state students will pay about $12,800 per semester with fees.
Graduate Tuition: Out-of-state graduate students pay around $6,100 per semester, and in-state graduate students pay around $13,200 per semester on average.
The overall cost of attending the University of Houston Clear Lake, including groceries, textbooks, and housing, usually varies between $22,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on the residence and lifestyle of the student.
Meritorious students are granted generous UHCL scholarships based on academic merit, need, and special merit. UHCL also grants tuition waivers and exemptions to deserving students, including veterans and foreign scholars. However, students are also encouraged to apply to other top scholarships outside of UHCL.

Admissions Process of the University of Houston Clear Lake

University of Houston Clear Lake admission criteria are made open, but strict when it comes to academic criteria.

Undergraduate Admission

Application: The ApplyTexas or Common App application is required to be submitted.
Fee: $45 non-refundable application fee.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Test Scores: Optional SAT/ACT, but can improve the application.
Essay and Recommendation: Optional but recommended.

Graduate Admission

Application: Online through the UHCL graduate application website.
Fee: $45 for residents, and $75 for international.
Transcripts: Official transcript of bachelor's degree.
Minimum GPA: 3.0 is desired.
Standardized Tests: Some graduate programs require the GRE or GMAT. For other graduate programs, the University of Houston Clear Lake GRE requirement is waived.
Other documents: Personal Statement, Resume, and Recommendations are programme optionals.

University of Houston Clear Lake Eligibility Requirements

Undergraduate

High school diploma or equivalent.
GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Optional SAT/ACT scores.
English language proficiency for international students (TOEFL iBT 79+, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 105).

Graduate

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university.
Preferred 3.0 GPA.
English language proficiency as above.
UHCL requirements may change by department, so always check programme-specific requirements

University of Houston Clear Lake Student Life

Campus life and academic involvement at the University of Houston Clear Lake is a combination of academic involvement and social development. Clubs, student government, cultural events, volunteerism, and sports are available to the students. Diversity, mental wellness, and professional development programs are facilitated by the Student Leadership & Engagement Center. The proximity of the university to the city of Houston means that museum visits, concerts, and internships are easily accessible, thus making campus life a perfect one.

There are cafes and lounges on and off campus where group study sessions or hangout meetings can be set up. International students do feel at home, and UHCL international students can benefit from bonding through the Global Scholars program and the Office of International Admissions and Programs.

Why You Should Apply to the University of Houston Clear Lake

1. Career-Focused Education

More than 90% of UHCL graduates are employed or continuing their education within a half-year of graduation. Strong relationships with industry partners, NASA, the Texas Medical Center, and Fortune 500 companies render the University of Houston Clear Lake graduate outcomes on par with the nation.

2. Affordable Education

One of the lowest prices in Texas to attend the University of Houston Clear Lake exists. With UHCL scholarship opportunities, tuition waiver eligibility, and low-priced online courses, students receive an extraordinary value.

3. Diverse Programs and Modes of Delivery

Campus-based to entirely online, UHCL welcomes varied learning styles within its undergraduate and graduate programs. The University of Houston Clear Lake MBA, for instance, can be completed through online and hybrid modes of delivery for ultimate flexibility.

4. Inclusive Environment

UHCL is a Hispanic-serving institution that fosters diversity through student organizations, cultural events, and support services.

5. University of Houston Clear Lake Placements

University of Houston Clear Lake's job network reaches aerospace, health care, education, and technology. Students work at NASA, Boeing, Memorial Hermann Health System, and Clear Creek ISD, to name just a few. Career Services offers one-on-one internship, resume, and job placement assistance. UHCL graduates' starting salaries are $45,000 to $70,000, according to major and degree.

University of Houston Clear Lake Student Accommodation

Although University of Houston Clear Lake dorms are available on campus via Hunter Residence Hall and The UHCL Pearland Student Housing, many students choose off-campus options for more privacy and flexibility. Popular nearby neighborhoods include Clear Lake City, Nassau Bay, and Webster.

UHCL student housing through platforms like amber provides modern amenities such as fitness centers, Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and proximity to campus. Here are the top picks:

Lakeshore Apartments and Townhouse – 4 mins from UHCL, with furnished rooms and study lounges.
Concorde at Allendale Apartments – Affordable and spacious off-campus apartments.
The Cove – Offers studio and shared accommodations, close to restaurants and shops.
The Park at Clear Lake – Student-friendly leases, ideal for graduate students.
The Ivy at Clear Creek – Pet-friendly and near local parks.

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