Hope International University
Hope International University is a private nonprofit university in Fullerton, CA ranked #1567 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 549 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 35.4%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Psychology.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 68.2% first-year retention, and 45.6% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $27,653, about $10,655 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -67.4%, roughly 152.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $36,030. That's about $7,658 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Hope International University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Hope International University graduates 45.6% of students within six years and keeps 68.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Hope International University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $36,250 |
| Books and Supplies | $938 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,700 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,871 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $51,153 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 42.9% of Hope International University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $26,641 to $34,403 depending on family income. Use Hope International University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $35,778/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,403/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $36,030
- 10-Year Median Earnings $36,030
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,738
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 54.5%
- Employment Rate 84.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Hope International University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Hope International University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Hope International University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Hope International University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Hope International University graduates earn $36,030 median, the -67.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 549
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 68.2%
- Graduation Rate 45.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Hope International University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Hope International University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 35.4%, Hope International University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Hope International University accepts 35.4% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Hope International University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Education, General, and Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 33.1%
- Education, General 12.2%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 10.5%
- Social Sciences, General 10.5%
- Theological and Ministerial Studies 9.9%
- Psychology, General 9.3%
See more majors
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 5.2%
- Bible/Biblical Studies 2.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $57,863
- 2. Psychology, General $52,187
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $82,668
- 2. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $66,167
- 3. Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education (Master's Degree) $61,817
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $42,880
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $57,863—11% more than Psychology, General ($52,187). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $82,668 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Hope International University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Social Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 5 graduates)
- Religious/Sacred Music (Master's Degree, 5 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (10 programs)▼
- Social Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 549
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.6%
- Female Students 55.4%
- Caucasian 27.1%
- Asian 4.5%
- Hispanic 26.8%
- Black 6.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 42.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Hope International University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Hope International University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Hope International University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hope International University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Hope International University has a diverse student body, with 27.1% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Hope International University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hope International University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Hope International University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -67.4% ROI. Ranked #1567 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $27,653 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $36,030 median earnings. With 45.6% graduating within six years and 68.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Hope International University's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1567 ranking, Hope International University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $27,653 annually, Hope International University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 68.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,357 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -67.4% ROI and $36,030 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,653+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Hope International University ranks #1567 of 1971 institutions, with 1628 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 45.6% six-year graduation rate sits 16.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 68.2% first-year retention is 8.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -67.4% return on investment is 152.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $36,030 run about 18% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $27,653 is roughly $7,754 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 68.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.9% employment rate within three years sits 16.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $27,653 is about $7,754 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Hope International University, a private nonprofit university in Fullerton, CA, secures a C+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #1567 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
68.2% of learners come back after year one while 45.6% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -67.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $27,653 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $51,153.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $23,500 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,738 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 42.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $36,030 six years after entry. This is roughly 18% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 84.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -67.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
35.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Hope International University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Fullerton, CA 92831-3199
- Website www.hiu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$9.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.3%