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Houston Christian University

Houston, TX Private ยท Urban www.hc.edu
Accept Rate
85.15%
Grad Rate
49.5%
Enrollment
2,777
Avg SAT
1092
Tuition
$38,100
Median Salary
$55,933
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
B+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Houston Christian University feels like a close-knit, faith-centered community tucked within the bustling energy of Houston. The campus has a supportive, personal atmosphere where students know their professors and peers, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Itโ€™s a place where spiritual growth is integrated into daily life, creating a warm and encouraging environment for learning.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

85.15%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 109275th Pctl
9701200
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2575th Pctl
1928
1122436

Admissions Tips

With an 85% acceptance rate, HCU is accessible, but a strong application still mattersโ€”highlight your leadership and community involvement, especially in service or faith-based activities. Since the university is faith-integrated, a thoughtful personal statement about your spiritual journey can strengthen your application. Aim for an SAT score around 1092 to be competitive, but know that holistic factors like essays and recommendations are also considered.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1092
40080012001600
School range: 970โ€“1200

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

HCU offers strong programs in health professions, business, and psychology, with a focus on practical, career-oriented education. The university emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty who are committed to student success. While research opportunities exist, the academic experience is more centered on applied learning and professional preparation.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
19.4%
Business & Marketing
17.3%
Psychology
12.2%
Multidisciplinary Studies
10.8%
Biology & Biomedical
8.6%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.3%
Education
3.8%
Criminal Justice
2.3%
Engineering
1.7%
Physical Sciences
1.5%
Philosophy & Religion
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

49.5%
Graduation Rate
69.2%
Retention Rate
2,777
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$38,100
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$19,710
After financial aid
Total Cost
$47,605
Cost of attendance/year
53.9%
Receive Pell Grants
56.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Houston

Students enjoy Houstonโ€™s vibrant food scene, from Tex-Mex to international cuisine, and explore cultural spots like the Museum District and theaters. Outdoor activities include exploring Buffalo Bayou Park and nearby parks, while HCUโ€™s campus hosts events, intramural sports, and chapel services that build community.

Local Rent Check

$1,135 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Houston
Explore Houston

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$152,400
$0Est. 4 Years: $152,400

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,933):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

HCU has a campus safety team and emergency notification systems in place. The surrounding Meyerland area is generally safe, but as with any urban setting, students should stay aware of their surroundings and use campus resources.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Faith-integrated education provides a supportive spiritual community for Christian students.
  • โœ“ Affordable net price compared to other private universities, with strong financial aid for eligible students.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Houston offers access to internships, jobs, and cultural experiences in a major metro area.
  • โœ“ Smaller class sizes foster personal relationships with professors and a sense of community.

Cons

  • โœ— The 49.5% graduation rate is below the national average, indicating potential challenges in student persistence.
  • โœ— The 69.2% retention rate suggests some students may not continue after their first year.
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities compared to larger research universities.

Notable Alumni

James A. Baker III
Former U.S. Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff, known for his role in foreign policy during the Reagan and Bush administrations.
Ruth G. Whitworth
Renowned educator and philanthropist, recognized for her contributions to higher education and community service in Texas.
John M. Perkins
Civil rights activist and author, celebrated for his work in community development and social justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston Christian University is known for its faith-based education in Houston, Texas, with strong programs in health professions, business, and psychology. It emphasizes Christian values, small class sizes, and career-focused learning in an urban setting.

No, Houston Christian University has a high acceptance rate of 85.15%, making it accessible to most applicants. The average SAT score is around 1092, but admissions consider holistic factors like essays, recommendations, and personal fit with the university's mission.

Campus life at HCU is centered around a close-knit, faith-based community with chapel services, student organizations, and intramural sports. Students enjoy a supportive environment with small classes and personal interactions, though the campus is smaller and less bustling than larger universities.

With an average net price of $19,710 after aid and a 10-year median earnings of $55,933, HCU offers a reasonable return on investment, especially for degrees in high-demand fields like health and business. However, the lower graduation rate means students should be proactive to complete their degree and maximize value.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Houston Methodist BP America Shell Oil Company Texas Medical Center H-E-B
Smart Start Score
57

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,499
  • In-State Tuition $38,100
  • Zip Code 77074

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38.4% โ™€ 61.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $19,710 after aid, HCU is more affordable than many private universities, especially with a high Pell Grant rate indicating support for low-income students. The 10-year median earnings of $55,933 suggest a solid return on investment for degrees in high-demand fields like health and business. However, the 49.5% graduation rate means students should plan carefully to ensure timely completion and maximize value.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Carthage College

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $38,100
Housing (12 mo) $13,620
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $58,920
With avg financial aid:
$19,710/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.