About University of Houston – Clear Lake
Established in 1974, the University of Houston-Clear Lake provides educational opportunities to students in the Houston-Galveston area and beyond. Located adjacent to the NASA Johnson Space Center, UH-Clear Lake is situated in the heart of the area’s high-technology community. Originally established as an upper-level university, UHCL welcomed freshman and sophomore students for the first time in the fall of 2014. UHCL is committed to supporting the region’s various commercial, engineering, human services, and trade sectors, especially in the computing, medical, petrochemical, and aerospace industries.
UH Clear Lake offers programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the following colleges:
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Human Sciences and Humanities
- College of Science and Engineering
UHCL Online offers the same level of excellence for more than 20 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Offering high-quality online courses, UHCL online degrees can be completed from the comfort of home with courses that are completed asynchronously. However, students are still guided with weekly schedules and due dates.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Houston – Clear Lake is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 7,335 ; Graduate: 2,547Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 18% ; Graduate: 26%Graduation Rate:
52%Transfer Rate:
24%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$59,004Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$17,831Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
62%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$12,473Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by University of Houston - Clear Lake
All Programs
Business
Engineering
Math & Science
Filters
UHCL offers a degree path that works well for people with jobs. Flexible class options help students stay in school while they keep working. Its medium size can feel like a good next step for transfer students from community college. The pace often feels manageable, with stronger expectations but not too much at once.
Cost is another plus. Annual tuition is listed at $21,114, and UHCL is often seen as a lower-cost option for what students get. Time to finish can vary by program, but the overall path is practical for students balancing work, class, and daily life.
At UHCL, support feels personal and easy to reach in daily classes. Staff and advisors are helpful and active in student guidance. Student success services are useful and go beyond the classroom.
Professors are often understanding and invested in student progress. Smaller classes make it easier to ask questions and get direct help. That steady access to professors is a clear strength.
In some elementary education courses, internship prep and class expectations vary by instructor. Because of that, support can feel uneven across departments.
UHCL’s online classes fit working schedules well. Class options are flexible for students who work. That helps with pace during busy weeks. The school also feels easier to navigate than very large universities.
Online learners get a simpler day-to-day setup. Smaller classes can make instructor contact feel more direct. Support is present through advisors and student resources. Communication can be uneven at times, as shown by late notice about free gym classes.
At UHCL, classes feel personal, not anonymous. Smaller class sizes make it easier to ask questions and get direct help from professors. Faculty bring energy to class and stay involved, which helps students feel supported as they learn.
Coursework is structured and often led closely by the instructor. In elementary education, methods courses put strong focus on lesson planning, and each professor may use a different format. That can vary by department, but the overall learning setting feels calm, clear, and easier to navigate than at larger schools.
University of Houston-Clear Lake gives many students a positive, manageable college experience. Classes are often small and clear. Professors are easy to reach and active in teaching. Flexible course options help students balance school, work, and life.
Support is a real strength for many students. Advising and student services are helpful day to day. Some service updates could come sooner in a few areas. In elementary education, class prep and assignment expectations can vary by instructor.
Even with those differences, UHCL offers strong overall value. Its lower cost is a clear advantage. It is a good fit for students who want direct professor access and a steady pace to finish.
University of Houston-Clear Lake gives many students a positive, manageable college experience. Classes are often small and clear. Professors are easy to reach and active in teaching. Flexible course options help students balance school, work, and life.
Support is a real strength for many students. Advising and student services are helpful day to day. Some service updates could come sooner in a few areas. In elementary education, class prep and assignment expectations can vary by instructor.
Even with those differences, UHCL offers strong overall value. Its lower cost is a clear advantage. It is a good fit for students who want direct professor access and a steady pace to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Houston - Clear Lake
Is University of Houston - Clear Lake accredited?
Yes. University of Houston - Clear Lake is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does University of Houston - Clear Lake offer?
University of Houston - Clear Lake offers 16 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Houston - Clear Lake offer?
University of Houston - Clear Lake offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at University of Houston - Clear Lake?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Houston - Clear Lake expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Houston - Clear Lake falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Houston - Clear Lake?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Houston - Clear Lake first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Houston - Clear Lake programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is University of Houston - Clear Lake military friendly?
University of Houston - Clear Lake does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from University of Houston - Clear Lake through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Houston - Clear Lake applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Resume/CV, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Houston - Clear Lake accept life experience credit?
University of Houston - Clear Lake does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Houston - Clear Lake programs fully online or mixed?
University of Houston - Clear Lake programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Houston - Clear Lake offer?
University of Houston - Clear Lake has online program options in areas such as Business, Engineering, Math & Science, and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of Houston - Clear Lake programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Are any admission tests required for University of Houston - Clear Lake programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Houston - Clear Lake?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any University of Houston - Clear Lake programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Houston - Clear Lake?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Houston - Clear Lake, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Houston - Clear Lake programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of Houston - Clear Lake is featured in 8 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Houston - Clear Lake is located in Texas
Texas at a Glance:

Top Majors in Texas:
Top Incentives in Texas:
- TEXAS Grant: Up to $5,195 annually
Top Career Pathways in Texas:
- Entry Level: Project Engineer ($75,000)
- Mid Level: Operations Manager ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Energy Director ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: PE, PMP









