The University of Houston has once again set a record, welcoming nearly 49,000 students for fall 2025 — the largest enrollment in its history. This milestone reflects UH’s growing reputation as a first-choice university for many students across Texas and beyond.
This fall, 48,972 students enrolled, up from 47,980 in fall 2024. The surge is driven by the largest incoming freshman class in UH history, with 6,715 first-time in college students and more than 4,500 transfers. Students are also enrolling in more credit hours, signaling confidence in their academic pathways and momentum toward graduation.
Applications reached historic highs with more than 48,000 freshman applications and more than 75,000 total applications across undergraduate and graduate programs. Freshman applications grew 12% year-over-year, with early applications for fall 2026 already pacing nearly 20% higher than last year.
“As the University of Houston approaches its centennial, we are not just growing in size — we are growing in impact. Students are choosing UH because it offers everything they need to succeed: affordability, opportunity and a nationally competitive academic experience right here in Houston, one of the world’s most dynamic cities.”
- UH President Renu Khator
Expanding Opportunities in Katy and Sugar Land
Growth is particularly strong at UH’s campuses in Sugar Land and Katy.
Nearly 1,000 UH students are taking classes at the campus in Katy, a 73% increase from last year, fueled by expanded course offerings from the C.T. Bauer College of Business, College of Education, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences and the Cullen College of Engineering.
Nearly 5,000 UH students are attending classes in Sugar Land, the most in that campus’s history. Students now benefit from the new Sugar Land Academic Building II, a 75,000-square-foot facility with modern labs, technology-focused programs and collaborative learning spaces that opened this fall.
Affordability and Access
Affordability remains a defining advantage for UH. The university has not raised tuition in several years, keeping it one of the most affordable public research universities in Texas. Through the Cougar Promise program, undergraduates from families earning $65,000 or less pay no tuition, and students from families earning up to $125,000 receive guaranteed discounts.
First-Choice, Future-Ready
From nationally recognized academic programs and groundbreaking research to a culturally vibrant campus experience in America’s fourth-largest city, UH provides students with unparalleled opportunities. On-campus housing is near capacity this fall, underscoring the demand for the full residential experience. Centennial Hall, a new 1,000-bed facility opening in 2027, will further expand capacity for first-year students.
University of Houston Fall 2025 Enrollment — Fast Facts
Record Enrollment
- Total fall 2025 enrollment: 48,972 (nearly 49,000)
- Up from 47,980 in fall 2024
Largest Freshman Class in History
- 6,715 incoming freshmen
- 4,518 transfer students
- Freshman applications: 48,000+ (historic high, up 12%)
- Early applications for fall 2026 already up 19.3%
Student Experience & Housing
- On-campus housing: 97% full
- Centennial Hall (1,000 beds) opening in 2027 to expand first-year housing
Regional Campus Growth
- UH’s Katy Campus: Nearly 1,000 students (+73% YoY)
- Expanded offerings in business, education, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences
- UH’s Sugar Land Campus: Nearly 5,000 students (highest ever)
- New Sugar Land Academic Building II (75,000 sq. ft.) with labs and tech-focused programs