UHD and HISD Partner to Guarantee College Admission

Groundbreaking program aims to boost college enrollment for HISD graduates.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) and the Houston Independent School District (HISD) have entered into a historic partnership to guarantee college admission for eligible HISD seniors. Through the new Guaranteed Admission Program, HISD students who meet specific criteria will be automatically admitted to UHD, with the application fee waived.

Why it matters

This partnership represents a major step in increasing college access and completion for HISD students, many of whom come from underserved communities. By guaranteeing admission to UHD, the program aims to remove barriers and encourage more HISD graduates to pursue higher education, strengthening the local talent pipeline and regional economy.

The details

To be eligible for guaranteed admission, HISD seniors must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher and complete any additional program-specific requirements. Accepted students will be able to formalize their admission by applying to UHD by the posted deadline. The decision to admit will be subject to the eligibility criteria and availability of space in the desired program.

  • The partnership was announced and the MOU was signed on February 17, 2026.
  • The Guaranteed Admission Program will begin accepting HISD students for the 2026-27 academic year.

The players

Houston Independent School District (HISD)

The largest school district in Texas and the eighth largest in the United States, with 276 schools and nearly 170,000 students.

University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)

The second-largest university in Houston, serving the educational needs of the city since 1974 and offering 47 bachelor's degrees, 12 master's degrees, and 23 online programs.

Mike Miles

HISD Superintendent, who stated that the partnership will help HISD students see themselves as college-bound and their career goals as reachable.

Loren J. Blanchard

President of UHD, who said the Guaranteed Admission Program will provide thousands of HISD seniors with accessibility to a four-year college degree and support their success through affordability and academic/basic needs assistance.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership represents a transformational opportunity for our students, helping them see themselves as college-bound and their career goals reachable.”

— Mike Miles, HISD Superintendent (aframnews.com)

“Our Guaranteed Admission Program is going to provide thousands of HISD seniors with accessibility to a four-year college degree. At UHD, we define student success as college-degree completion.”

— Loren J. Blanchard, President of UHD (aframnews.com)

What’s next

The Guaranteed Admission Program will begin accepting HISD students for the 2026-27 academic year, with the first cohort of guaranteed admission students expected to enroll at UHD that fall.

The takeaway

This partnership between HISD and UHD represents a significant step in improving college access and completion for underserved students in the Houston area, helping to build a stronger local talent pipeline and regional economy.