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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.
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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
Â2,823
1,434
Undergraduate Student
Male 1,045
Female 1,778
Graduate Student
Male 531
Female 903
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Top Rankings For Houston Christian University
Admissions
APPLICATIONS9,021
ÂACCEPTANCE7,668
ÂAcceptance Rate85%
Enrollment 695
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.
Retention
Rate
4 year
Graduation
Rate
6 year
Graduation
Rate
Student Population Total
Student Population 4,257
Â2,823
1,434
Most Popular Programs & Majors
(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)
Health Professions and Related Programs | 107 Total Graduates / 23% |
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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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