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Houston Christian University is a private, small university founded in 1960. It is located in Houston proper not far from the zoo, museums, golf courses, parks, a cinema, and the Funplex. The student body comprises almost 4,200 students with around 65% of them being undergraduates. This newer university is rich in the tradition of combining a liberal arts education with reason and faith. The curriculum is designed to ensure students graduate with a solid understanding and representation of the ways to lead successfully and live a fulfilling and righteous life.


Overview of Houston Christian University (HCU)


At HCU, students are able to pursue several dozen majors and minors at the undergraduate level, as well as pre-professional pathways, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Academic advisors are on staff to assist students with selecting the proper courses and degrees to meet the goals and aspirations of each student. Classes are small with an average of 25 students and mentors are available to enhance each individual’s academic experience.

The leaders at Houston Christian understand that a successful college experience requires well-rounded opportunities. Students can be a part of the 17 NCAA Division I sports teams as a participant or fan. It’s possible to join any of the organizations, clubs, and intramurals. Many students choose to explore all Houston has to offer, including trips to the beach. It’s also possible to be active in the community in a number of other ways, from religious events to volunteering in the local community.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 15:1
Graduation Rate 50%
Year Founded 1960

Student Enrollment


Total Students4,257

 
Undergraduate
2,823
Graduate
1,434

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,045
836
Female 1,778
1,485

Graduate Student

Male 531
400
Female 903
711

Explore Map

Top Rankings For Houston Christian University


Admissions


APPLICATIONS9,021

 
Male 3,257
Female 5,764

ACCEPTANCE7,668

 
Male 2,120
Female 4,202

Acceptance Rate85%

Male 81%
Female 87%

Enrollment 695

Male   83
Female  76
Admissions
Application Fee NA
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Recommended
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Considered But Not Required
Recommendations Considered But Not Required
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Considered But Not Required
Application Deadline December 1
Common Application Accepted Yes

Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


HCU is more expensive than public schools, with the cost at around $38,100. Students can help minimize expenses by applying for the $28 million in scholarships and grants made available by the university each year. Roughly 95% of students are awarded some form of financial assistance. Additional education-related expenses are estimated at $16,000 to pay for basic living costs, course or fees, books, and materials. Don’t forget the costs associated with entertainment and lifestyle experiences such as day trips, dinners out, etc.

A number of students take advantage of work study and other employment opportunities to help reduce education costs. The university will assist students in finding options on-campus and off-campus, as well as online. Discounts are widely available to students and university employees from local retailers, restaurants, and services. It’s even possible to receive discounts on mobile phone service plans with a student email. Amazon also offers HCU discounts and free shipping.

Average net price 2022-2023
Net Price $20,530
Average Total Aid $22,366
Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Room & Board $10,816

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $38,100
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $38,100
  • Books and Supplies - $1,000
  • Room & Board - $10,816
  • Other - $5,202

Academics


Despite a smaller student population, HCU offers a wide range of degrees in several colleges and schools including business, education and behavioral sciences, science and engineering, Christian thought, fine arts, humanities, and nursing and allied health. The most exceptional students will have access to the Honors College to enhance their learning opportunities. And pre-professional degrees are available for those who wish to continue their education in law, medicine, and other prestigious careers.

Alternative learning pathways are also available. Many degree programs are now available entirely online. Students can also select from several non-degree vocational certificate programs. Fast term programs are available for greater flexibility and less life disruption. And the university offers a number of study abroad options and service opportunities. All programs provide students with numerous academic resources and tools to assist with papers, coursework, and tests.

HCU has a reasonable retention rate of 69%; and its graduation rates are 37% and 50% over four and six years, respectively. The university provides an excellent student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1 and a wide array of academic assistance. As such, one would believe that graduation rates should be higher. A few reasons for the low rates could be related to higher transfer rates or a large number of part-time students.

Student Population Total


Student Population 4,257

 
Undergraduate
2,823
Graduate
1,434
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Health Professions and Related Programs 107 Total Graduates / 23%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 96 Graduates
Bioethics/Medical Ethics 9 Graduates
Athletic Training/Trainer 2 Graduates
All Business Majors 70 Total Graduates / 15%
Accounting 17 Graduates
Business Administration and Management, General 16 Graduates
International Business/Trade/Commerce 14 Graduates
Finance, General 12 Graduates
All Biological & Biomedical Majors 44 Total Graduates / 10%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 29 Graduates
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 15 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies 38 Total Graduates / 8%
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 31 Graduates
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management 7 Graduates
All Psychology Majors 36 Total Graduates / 8%
Psychology, General 36 Graduates
All Education Majors 36 Total Graduates / 8%
Elementary Education and Teaching 12 Graduates
Bilingual and Multilingual Education 5 Graduates
Mathematics Teacher Education 4 Graduates
Special Education and Teaching, General 4 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 28%

Outcome & Salary


Houston Christian University has a corporate partnership agreement that allows employees of these corporations to take courses at HCU at a more affordable rate. In turn, these employers often reach out to the university with open positions for soon-to-be graduates. Students also meet and engage with current employees in classes and at campus events as a way to network in a natural setting. This is just one opportunity students have to become employed upon graduation.

The university also offers an Office of Career and Calling. At the office, students learn about and develop career readiness skills through career coaching, resume writing, dress codes, career counseling, and more. Students start preparing for careers in the real world from day one. Internships and job placement services are also available, as well as vocational exploration, training, virtual career fairs, etc.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $49,800
College Grads Average Salary $64,493
College Grads Mid Career Salary $89,300
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $644,930
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,537,930
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $81,744
10 Year Projected ROI $563,186
20 Year Projected ROI $1,456,186
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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