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Texas State University and University of Houston-Downtown are both public institutions — Texas State University in San Marcos, TX and University of Houston-Downtown in Houston, TX. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
San Marcos, TX · Public
Acceptance rate: 89.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 36,177
Tuition: $22,930/year
Student-faculty ratio: 21.0:1
Graduation rate: 55.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Communication, Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Marcos, TX with published program strength in Business and marketing and Communication.
Houston, TX · Public
Acceptance rate: 90.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 12,555
Tuition: $17,548/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 33.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Security and law enforcement
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Houston, TX with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
| Factor | Texas State University | University of Houston-Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 89.3% | 90.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 980–1200 |
| 940–1110 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 19–25 | 16–22 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 36,177 | 12,555 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $22,930/year | $17,548/year |
| Average net price after aid | $16,805 | $10,542 |
| Graduation rate | 55.3% | 33.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $56,906 | $53,551 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 21.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | San Marcos, TX | Houston, TX |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Communication, Visual and performing arts | Business and marketing, Psychology, Security and law enforcement |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (89.3% vs 90.0%). University of Houston-Downtown has a lower average net price after grant aid ($10,542 vs $16,805). Texas State University reports the higher graduation rate (55.3% vs 33.2%). Texas State University is the larger undergraduate campus (36,177 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Texas State University and University of Houston-Downtown
Texas State University has an acceptance rate of 89.3%; University of Houston-Downtown is around 90.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Texas State University tuition is $22,930/year. University of Houston-Downtown is $17,548/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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