Houston Christian University
Houston Christian University (HCU) is a private university in Houston, Texas—not the public University of Houston (UH). This school's acceptance rate of 84.4%, and tuition of $39,430 are listed below for reference. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Houston Christian University is a private nonprofit university in Houston, TX. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, and 69.3% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 67.9%, roughly 18.0 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Houston Christian University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Houston Christian University graduates 49.1% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 49.3% and keeps 69.3% 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 Houston Christian 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 | $39,430 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,928 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,774 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $50,082 |
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 55.5% of Houston Christian University students receive Pell Grants — well 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 $17,933 to $28,640 depending on family income. Use Houston Christian University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,079/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,640/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $62,310
- 10-Year Median Earnings $55,933
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $22,642
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 55.4%
- Employment Rate 88.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Houston Christian 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.
Houston Christian University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Houston Christian University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Houston Christian University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Houston Christian University graduates earn $62,310 median four years after graduation, +3% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 500-600
- SAT Math 490-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 17-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,886
- Full-Time Students 76.7%
- Part-Time Students 23.3%
- Retention Rate 69.3%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 49.1%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 49.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into Houston Christian University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Houston Christian 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 84.4%, Houston Christian University is relatively open. 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: With a 84.4% acceptance rate, Houston Christian University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1190 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Houston Christian University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 25.4%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 8.6%
- Psychology, General 7.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.8%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 4.7%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 4.5%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.0%
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humaniti 3.2%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $94,329
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $78,672
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,591
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $53,568
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $50,974
- 6. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General $44,573
- 7. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $44,049
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $110,445
- 2. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $108,181
- 3. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $106,077
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $98,096
- 5. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $67,611
- 6. Psychology, General (Master's Degree) $66,467
- 7. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $63,989
- 8. Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (Master's Degree) $62,811
- 9. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $60,722
- 10. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $51,968
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $94,329—114% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($44,049). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $110,445 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Houston Christian 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
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 141 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 35 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Master's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 25 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 (36 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- History
- Design and Applied Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Mathematics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Engineering, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (19 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Philosophy
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- History
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Behavioral Sciences
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,886
- Full-Time Students 76.7%
- Part-Time Students 23.3%
- Male Students 40.9%
- Female Students 59.1%
- Caucasian 15.8%
- Asian 5.5%
- Hispanic 38.7%
- Black 24.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 55.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Houston Christian University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Houston Christian University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Houston Christian 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 Houston Christian University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Houston Christian University has a diverse student body, with 15.8% identifying as White. 55.5% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Houston Christian 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 Houston Christian University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Houston Christian University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 67.9% ROI. Ranked #1088 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,629 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $62,310 median earnings. With 49.1% graduating within 150% of normal time and 69.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Houston Christian University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1088 ranking, Houston Christian University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,629 annually, Houston Christian University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 69.3% 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 $14,440 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 67.9% ROI and $62,310 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,629+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Houston Christian University ranks #1088 of 1947 institutions, with 820 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
- 49.1% graduation rate sits 13.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 69.3% first-year retention is 7.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 67.9% return on investment is 18.0 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $62,310 run about 3% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $20,629 is roughly $550 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 69.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.0% employment rate within three years sits 19.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,629 is about $550 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
Located in Houston, TX, Houston Christian University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It stands at #1088 among 1962 schools Category results include Completion (B-), Support (C+), 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.
Student momentum is strong: 69.3% retention, 49.1% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 49.3% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 67.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $20,629 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $50,082.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $29,453 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $22,642 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 55.5% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $62,310 at the median. That sits about 3% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 88.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 67.9%, 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
84.4% 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 Houston Christian 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Houston Christian University's acceptance rate?
Houston Christian University's acceptance rate is 84.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Houston Christian University cost?
At Houston Christian University, listed tuition and fees are $39,430 per year, and the average net price after aid is $20,629. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Houston Christian University's ranking?
Houston Christian University ranks #1088 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Houston Christian University's graduation rate?
At Houston Christian University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 49.1% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 49.3%, and first-year retention is 69.3%.
What are Houston Christian University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Houston Christian University report median earnings of $62,310 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Houston Christian University's student population?
Houston Christian University enrolls about 2,886 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Houston, TX 77074-3298
- Website www.hc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$131.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate34.6%