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University of Houston

Middle 50% SAT
1140
to
1310
Acceptance
75.8% (fall 2025, 34,728 applicants)
Typical GPA

Admissions data checked October 9, 2026 by Florida Test Prep.

University of Houston reports a middle 50% SAT of 1140 to 1310 (enrolled, CDS 2025-26, fall 2025; 55% submitted SAT). We use 1220 as a first planning target, then adjust it to the student's diagnostic and timeline. It is not an admission requirement or a guarantee.

The numbers

Middle 50% SAT1140 to 1310 (enrolled, CDS 2025-26, fall 2025; 55% submitted SAT)
Acceptance rate75.8% (fall 2025, 34,728 applicants)
Testing for 2026-27Optional through June 1, 2030
TypePublic university

Source: University of Houston official admissions data. A middle 50% describes the central half of the reported group, not a cutoff.

Test-optional applicants submit an essay and resume instead of scores.

Where University of Houston sits among Texas colleges

SchoolMiddle 50% SATAcceptance
Rice University1510 to 15608.0%
University of Texas at Dallas1170 to 139069.1%
Texas A&M University1160 to 139051.7%
Baylor University1190 to 137052.2%
University of Houston1140 to 131075.8%
Texas Tech University1110 to 126069.1%

Cohorts differ by school (admitted vs enrolled, and year). See every school with its cohort and source on SAT Scores for Texas Colleges.

Scholarship money tied to the SAT in Texas

Texas has no statewide SAT-cutoff scholarship; Texas Tech's Presidential Merit Scholarship is the state's clearest guaranteed SAT-tier grid.

Texas Tech Presidential Merit Scholarship (1500-1600 SAT tier): $9,000/year with a 4.0-3.96 unweighted GPA, guaranteed only to freshmen admitted by April 1 for fall entry.

Texas Tech Presidential Merit Scholarship (1200-1290 SAT tier): $6,000/year with a 4.0-3.96 unweighted GPA, guaranteed only to freshmen admitted by April 1 for fall entry.

The full rules, deadlines and class years are on our Texas SAT prep page.

Colleges in other states with a similar SAT range

CollegeStateMiddle 50% SAT
Michigan Technological UniversityMichigan1120 to 1330
University of IowaIowa1130 to 1320
Western Washington UniversityWashington1130 to 1320
College of CharlestonSouth Carolina1160 to 1300

A score that is competitive at University of Houston lands in the same part of the range at these schools. Cohorts differ by school, so read each page's notes before comparing.

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Quick answers

What SAT score do you need for University of Houston?

There is no published minimum; the middle half of the reported group scored 1140 to 1310. A score at or above 1310 puts a student in the top quarter of that group. A score near 1140 is within the range, and grades, coursework and the rest of the application still decide the outcome.

Is University of Houston test-optional?

Yes. University of Houston lists its policy as: Optional through June 1, 2030. A score inside or above the range can still strengthen an application, and some scholarships and programs use scores separately.

What is University of Houston's acceptance rate?

75.8% (fall 2025, 34,728 applicants). Rates vary by program and residency, so read the overall figure as context, not a personal prediction.

Does a score above the range guarantee admission?

No. A middle 50% is a description of last year's group, not a cutoff in either direction. It tells you where a score is competitive, which is the useful part for planning test dates.

Want to know what your teen needs for University of Houston? Their target, their gap and the weeks to close it are what we map in the free Strategy Session.

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