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Houston  /  Financial aid

Paying for Houston

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what Houston actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at Houston for families earning under $65,000 a year. Cougar Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees for Texas residents with family income up to $65k; partial support ($500-$2,000) for incomes $65k-$125k; no loans policy not stated.

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run Houston's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$10,600/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$10,450/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$12,570/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$19,300/yr after aid
$110k+$23,400/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$27,484
In-state tuition$12,506
Out-of-state tuition$25,756
Room & board$11,286
Average net price$16,200
Students on aid73%
Financial needDoes not meet full need for everyone
International studentsLimited aid for international students, mostly merit

Houston cost & aid FAQ

How much does Houston cost after financial aid?

The average family pays about $16,200 per year at Houston after grants and scholarships, against a sticker price of $27,484. Use the calculator to estimate your own net price by family income.

What does Houston cost by family income?

At Houston, the average total net price (tuition, room, board and fees, after aid) is about $10,600 per year for families earning under $30,000 and about $23,400 for families earning over $110,000. Net price rises with income because most aid is need-based.

Does Houston offer free tuition?

Yes. Houston waives tuition for families earning under $65,000 a year. That covers tuition itself; room, board and fees may still apply, so the total cost can be above zero.

Does Houston give financial aid to international students?

Limited aid for international students, mostly merit. International applicants should confirm aid policies directly with Houston's financial aid office.

Does Houston meet full financial need?

Does not meet full need for everyone. Meeting need means the school aims to cover the gap between its cost and what your family can pay, as determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

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