Mathematics at University of Houston-Downtown

A University of Houston-Downtown math degree costs less than you'd pay at most programs—$17,004 in debt versus $21,500 nationally—but the earnings don't quite keep pace with stronger Texas programs. At $49,496 in year-one earnings, graduates land just below the state median of $49,708, placing them in the 40th percentile among Texas math programs. That's a meaningful gap when you consider nearby University of Houston graduates earn $54,710 and UT Austin grads start at $60,011. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 is solid, meaning graduates typically owe about four months' salary, but the comparative weakness in earnings matters more than the low debt for a field where math skills should command premium salaries.

The real question is whether this program adequately prepares students for quantitative careers where math degrees typically shine—data science, actuarial work, financial analysis. The 91% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest UH-Downtown serves a less academically selective student body (52% receive Pell grants), which may explain why earnings lag behind the state's flagship universities. For students who need to stay in Houston and want an affordable credential, the manageable debt makes this viable. But families should recognize that career outcomes appear middling for Texas math graduates, and students may need to be particularly proactive about internships and networking to compete with peers from programs that show stronger earning power.