Houston City College is a public 2-year college in Houston, Texas with 40,503 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $4,575 a year after grants and graduates 17% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Houston City College acceptance rate and admissions
Houston City College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Houston City College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $2,040 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $5,460 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $12,286 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $4,575 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $4,575 a year after grants and scholarships, $7,711 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Houston City College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Houston City College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 17% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $42,369 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $14,250 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 34% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Trade and career programs at Houston City College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding | Certificate | 204 | $40,369 | $41,773 | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 135 | $34,853 | $42,204 | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 107 | $23,600 | $22,667 | $12,023 |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 94 | $73,398 | $80,188 | $12,000 |
| Electrician | Certificate | 87 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 67 | $37,464 | $49,714 | $9,618 |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 67 | $65,890 | $75,287 | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 59 | n/a | $22,990 | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 53 | $52,881 | $52,208 | $14,000 |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 52 | $26,715 | $27,150 | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 50 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Certificate | 39 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Associate degree | 37 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 36 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Associate degree | 35 | $24,421 | $22,631 | $18,626 |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Certificate | 31 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 30 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| HVAC | Certificate | 27 | n/a | $49,588 | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 24 | n/a | $48,330 | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Associate degree | 19 | n/a | $63,664 | n/a |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Associate degree | 13 | n/a | $78,980 | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Associate degree | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| HVAC | Associate degree | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 40,503 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 59% women, 41% men
- 23 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large city
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Houston City College?
No. Houston City College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Houston City College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $2,040 for in-state students and $5,460 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $4,575 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Houston City College?
17% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Houston City College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $42,369 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Texas · colleges in Houston · Houston City College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.