Key Figures
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the overall graduation rate for first-time, full-time students at the University of Houston (UH) is 51%.

Strategies for Improving Graduation Rates
UH has implemented a number of strategies to improve its graduation rates, including:
- Early Intervention Programs: UH offers a variety of early intervention programs to help students who are struggling academically. These programs include tutoring, counseling, and academic support services.
- Mentoring Programs: UH has a number of mentoring programs that pair students with faculty mentors or other students who can provide support and guidance.
- Supplemental Instruction: Supplemental instruction (SI) is a peer-led study group that provides additional support for students in challenging courses.
- Learning Communities: UH has created learning communities, which are small groups of students who take a set of courses together and are supported by a faculty mentor.
- Financial Aid: UH offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for college.
Student Success Stories
There are many stories of student success at UH. One such story is that of Maria Garcia, a first-generation college student who graduated from UH with a degree in social work. Maria credits her success to the support she received from her mentors, tutors, and peers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a number of mistakes that students can make that can hurt their chances of graduating. Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Not seeking help when needed. Many students struggle academically but are reluctant to seek help. This is a mistake, as there are many resources available to help students who are struggling.
- Procrastinating. Procrastination is a major obstacle to academic success. Students who procrastinate often find themselves falling behind in their studies and struggling to catch up.
- Not taking advantage of resources. UH offers a variety of resources to help students succeed, but many students do not take advantage of these resources. This is a mistake, as these resources can make a big difference in a student’s success.
Why Graduation Rates Matter
Graduation rates are important for a number of reasons. For students, graduating from college can lead to higher earnings, better job opportunities, and a more fulfilling life. For UH, high graduation rates are a sign of the university’s quality and commitment to student success. Furthermore, high graduation rates can lead to increased funding for the university and greater recognition from potential students and employers.
Benefits of Graduating from UH
There are many benefits to graduating from UH, including:
- Higher earnings. College graduates earn significantly more money than those with only a high school diploma. According to the NCES, the median annual earnings for college graduates are $56,386, compared to $35,020 for those with only a high school diploma.
- Better job opportunities. College graduates have access to a wider range of job opportunities than those with only a high school diploma. This is because employers value the skills and knowledge that college graduates have acquired.
- More fulfilling life. College graduates are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and their lives overall. This is because they have the skills and knowledge to pursue their interests and make a difference in the world.
Conclusion
Graduation rates are an important measure of a university’s quality and commitment to student success. UH is committed to improving its graduation rates and providing students with the support they need to succeed. By avoiding common mistakes, taking advantage of resources, and seeking help when needed, students can increase their chances of graduating from UH and achieving their goals.
Tables
| Year | Overall Graduation Rate | First-Time, Full-Time Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 51% | 58% |
| 2018-19 | 52% | 59% |
| 2019-20 | 53% | 60% |
| 2020-21 | 54% | 61% |
| Program | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|
| Social Work | 60% |
| Business | 55% |
| Engineering | 53% |
| Science | 52% |
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Success Center | Offers Tutoring, counseling, and academic support services |
| Career Center | Provides career counseling, resume writing, and job search assistance |
| Financial Aid Office | Offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for college |
| Health Center | Provides medical and mental health services to students |
| University Libraries | Offers a variety of resources to help students with their research |
