Despite the many challenges of 2020, the University of Houston-Downtown's momentum continues. This fall, UHD grew its enrollment and broke ground on its latest addition to campus.

Residents within the region appreciate such growth from the city’s second-largest university. They also look to UHD as an institution that helps its students succeed and graduate with little to no debt.

Recent rankings from college guide Texas Online Colleges reflect the University's commitment to providing affordable higher education experiences and supporting its students' academic goals. UHD ranks No. 3 among Most Affordable Colleges in Texas and No. 10 for Best Value Colleges. Rankings are based on an analysis of UHD’s online programs and statistics from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

“Affordability and accessibility are factors that often influence a student’s decision when selecting a university,” said UHD Interim President Antonio D. Tillis, Ph.D. “The recent acknowledgement from Texas Online Colleges reinforces why more Houstonians are selecting UHD as their university of choice. Affordability, however, is just one of the many reasons students look to our institution. Just as UHD is committed to maintaining one of the lowest tuition rates in the state, the University also prides itself on providing students with outstanding academic programs that prepare them for the demands of the Texas workforce.”

In its assessment, Texas Online Colleges listed several factors among the reasons students should choose UHD. These include its wide range of online courses and programs (which includes the state’s largest MBA program and nationally-ranked Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management); its diverse campus community; and student services.

“We are proud of this ranking, for it highlights our commitment at UHD to providing quality academic programming within the context of a thriving campus while keeping our tuition rates very low,” said Dr. Eric Carl Link, Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost. “Access to affordable education is essential in Houston and across the nation, and we are dedicated to creating pathways to a college degree that are open to everyone.”

The recent acknowledgement from Texas Online Colleges complements recognition from other organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, which cited UHD’s online academic offerings in its rankings of Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Affordability is one part of the equation as data from a FY2018 economic impact study indicates that UHD provides students with a true return on investment. According to this report, UHD students stand to benefit with $1.3 billion in higher earnings during their professional careers … or a return of $6.20 for every dollar they’ve invested in their education.

As discussions among legislators regarding student loans and loan forgiveness continue, the acknowledgement from Texas Online Colleges reflects UHD’s commitment to ensuring students graduate without crippling debt.

“With student debt soaring in the United States and reaching crisis-level proportions for some students across the country, UHD is at the forefront of trying to keep costs and student indebtedness as low as possible, so that our graduates can embark on their lives and careers without the weight of excessive student loan debt,” Link said.

While these rankings spotlight UHD’s prowess in delivering online curriculum, the University has long been recognized as a versatile institution with a blend of quality face-to-face and virtual programs. As a result of the recent pandemic, the University placed more than 50 percent of its fall classes in a virtual setting. Through resources such as the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Technology Teaching and Learning Center and the Keep on Teaching and Learning website, the University has enhanced its support of students’ online learning efforts during this unique period for higher education.

“We have many tools available to our students,” Tillis said. “Our most invaluable resources, however, are the many faculty and staff members who work diligently to ensure they succeed both online and in the classroom. These recent rankings from Texas Online Colleges reflect their commitment to our Gators and our University.”