Hope International University
Hope International University has an acceptance rate of 33.0%, an average net price of $31,029, and an overall rank of #1732 (Grade C). About 53.2% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $51,918 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Hope International University is a private nonprofit university in Fullerton, CA. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Psychology.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 52.4% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 29.1%, roughly 20.8 points below typical outcomes. 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 53.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 46.4% and keeps 52.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ 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
Est. annual aid gap: $22,480 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $38,650 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,089 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,200 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,285 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $53,509 |
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 43.0% 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 $29,646 to $34,732 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 $36,340/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,732/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $51,918
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,254
- Average Years to Graduate 5.8 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~37.6%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 54.5%
- Employment Rate 86.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Hope International University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 420-570
- SAT Math 420-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 564
- Full-Time Students 88.7%
- Part-Time Students 11.3%
- Retention Rate 52.4%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 53.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 46.4%
- 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 33.0%, 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 33.0% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 840 and 1220 on the SAT.
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
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Social Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Religious Music and Worship (Bachelor's Degree, 4 graduates)
- Religious Music and Worship (Master's Degree, 4 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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)▼
- Psychology, General
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Social Sciences, General
- Religious Music and Worship
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Bible/Biblical Studies
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Religious Music and Worship
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 564
- Full-Time Students 88.7%
- Part-Time Students 11.3%
- Male Students 45.9%
- Female Students 54.1%
- Caucasian 28.7%
- Asian 4.3%
- Hispanic 29.3%
- Black 7.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 43.0%
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 a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 28.7% 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 a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 0.0% ROI. Ranked #1732 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $31,029 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $51,918 median earnings. With 53.2% graduating within 150% of normal time and 52.4% 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 #1732 ranking, Hope International University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $31,029 annually, Hope International University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 52.4% 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 $21,720 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $51,918 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $21,029+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Hope International University ranks #1732 of 1934 institutions, with 0 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
- 53.2% graduation rate sits 9.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 52.4% first-year retention is 24.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $51,918 run about 16% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $31,029 is roughly $11,122 higher than the national median of $19,908.
- 86.4% employment rate within three years is 18.2 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 52.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.4% employment rate within three years sits 18.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $31,029 is about $11,122 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- 52.2% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
- 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 #1732 overall ranking Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support C+, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability C+.
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.
52.4% of learners come back after year one while 53.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (46.4% within eight years). Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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 $31,029 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $53,509.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $22,480 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 43.0% 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 $51,918 five years after graduation. This is roughly 16% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 86.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
33.0% 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Hope International University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/hope-international-university/
MLA (9th): “Hope International University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/hope-international-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Hope International University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/hope-international-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hope International University's acceptance rate?
Hope International University's acceptance rate is 33.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Hope International University cost?
At Hope International University, listed tuition and fees are $38,650 per year, and the average net price after aid is $31,029. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Hope International University's ranking?
Hope International University ranks #1732 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Hope International University's graduation rate?
At Hope International University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 53.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 46.4%, and first-year retention is 52.4%.
What are Hope International University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Hope International University report median earnings of $51,918 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Hope International University's student population?
Hope International University enrolls about 564 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 2500 E Nutwood Ave, 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$9.4M