First Time In College - FTIC
At the University of Houston - Downtown, we’re committed to offering undergraduate students a range of flexible, high-quality learning experiences to accommodate diverse lifestyles and learning needs. As a First Time-In-College (FTIC) student, we recognize that going to college comes with many questions and options and that getting the right answers and guidance on the pathway best suited for you is vitally important to your success.
It’s crucial to consider your learning preferences and time-management skills to make the most out of your experience. Rest assured, whatever path you choose, we’re committed to supporting you on your college journey.
How do I know if I am an FTIC?
First-time in College (FTIC) students are defined by the number of college credits
completed after high school graduation. Any student who graduates from high school and enrolls at
UHD without completing more than 11 college credits between high school graduation
and enrolling at UHD is an FTIC. College credits completed as part of a high school
curriculum (including dual enrollment and the earning of accelerated credit such as
AICE, AP, CLEP or IB) are not counted toward the 11-credit limit. Even students who
have completed significant college credits, such as an AA degree, are FTICs if the
credit or degree was earned while still enrolled in high school.
FTIC Enrollment: Traditional Students vs. Online Students
If you’re a traditional on-campus student, depending on the available course options,
you have the liberty to choose the format of your courses based on your preferences
and needs each semester. Depending on the availability of the course, you can opt
to take classes face-to-face, fully online, or in mixed mode (partially online and
partially face-to-face). This mix-and-match approach allows you to create a learning
schedule that complements your lifestyle and commitments, enabling a balanced college
experience.
Conversely, fully online students enrolled through UHD are committed to an entirely virtual learning environment. This means that all your courses will be conducted online, without the option of any face-to-face instruction. This option is tailored for students who thrive in a flexible and self-paced environment, prefer a commute-free academic experience, or have personal or professional commitments that make attending on-campus classes challenging.
EXPLORE ALL UHD ONLINE DEGREES
Choosing the Path That’s Best For You
Deciding between a fully online education and an on-campus experience is a significant
choice that can shape your college journey, particularly as an FTIC student. It’s
essential to consider your lifestyle, learning preferences, and career goals when
weighing these two options. For those who thrive on interpersonal interaction, value
structured schedules, and enjoy experiencing the rich tapestry of campus life, the
on-campus path could be a perfect fit. This traditional university environment allows
students to engage in face-to-face interactions, participate actively in campus events,
and fully immerse themselves in the vibrant life of UHD.
On the other hand, UHD Online has been crafted to meet the needs of learners seeking flexibility and convenience. This option is ideal for students balancing multiple commitments or those who learn better in a self-paced, online environment. UHD Online students can shape their learning journey, studying at their own pace, in their preferred environment, and at times that best suit them. It’s an empowering way to fit a high-quality education around your life, rather than trying to fit your life around a fixed academic schedule.
Whether on-campus or online, you’ll have access to the same renowned faculty, rigorous academics, and supportive community that are the hallmarks of a UHD education.
Comparing Service Offerings for FTIC Students
As an FTIC student at UHD, your access to robust support services is a vital component
of your educational journey, whether you choose to pursue your degree as a UHD online
student or as a traditional on-campus student. While the core of these services remains
consistent in their dedication to student success, how they’re accessed can differ
between UHD Online and the traditional on-campus experience. Here, we’ll outline these
key differences, ensuring you’re well-informed about the support you can expect in
each learning environment.
UHD Costs
Tuition and fees vary between UHD depending on your major, semester, and year that
you enroll, if you are an online student and a traditional on-campus student, and
several other factors. For a complete official tuition and fee schedule, please visit
the UHD Tuition and Mandatory Fees website. To better understand the Fee Waivers available to UHD students, visit the UHD Fee Waiver page.
The current estimated cost of attendance for Texas residents and non-residents can be found on the UHD Academic Catalog website. All costs are estimated and may vary by your local cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will provide answers to common questions related to FTIC students considering
enrolling as a UHD student.
You qualify for admission to UHD if you meet the Texas Uniform Admissions Policy and the requirements can be found here.
If the application deadline falls on a non-business day or holiday, the deadline will be through the next business day. Apply online using the Apply Texas application by visiting applytexas.org. You only need to submit one application. More information can be found here.
What degree programs (majors) are available?
View a complete list of degrees here.
University of Houston - Downtown offers a wide range of financial aid options, including an extensive array of scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time campus employment for undergraduate students. View a complete listing of first-year student scholarships here.
Visit our pages on tuition and fees and the Tuition/Fee Estimator tool.
No, you can connect with your Academic Success Coach and work with them to establish what major is right for your academic journey.
Registering for classes can be completed in the following easy steps:
- Resolve outstanding holds that may prevent registration. To check your status, log into your myUHD
- If necessary, meet with an advisor to discuss your degree plan and academic progress.
- Review the course schedule.
- Register for classes in myUHD.
More information can be found here.
- Resolve outstanding holds that may prevent registration. To check your status, log into your myUHD account.
- If necessary, meet with an advisor to discuss your degree plan and academic progress.
- Review the course schedule.
- Register for classes in myUHD.
More information on how to login can be found, here.