Skip to main content
84.5%Acceptance
$38,100Tuition
2,777Students
50%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$55,933Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Baptist

About Houston Christian University

Houston Christian University builds faith into every aspect of college life through its Baptist foundation and commitment to integrating Christian principles with rigorous academics. The university enrolls 2,777 students in a large city setting that provides internship and career opportunities throughout the Houston metropolitan area. With an 84% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1145, HCU welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who share a commitment to faith-based learning.

Students pay an average net price of $19,710 after financial aid, making this private Christian education surprisingly affordable. Over half of students receive financial assistance, with 54% qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $55,933 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $22,642. The monthly loan payment of $240 represents a manageable investment given the earning potential and the value of faith-integrated education.

The student body reflects Houston's diversity, with 40% Hispanic students, 24% Black students, and women comprising 62% of enrollment. Nearly 95% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting. As Division I Huskies competing in the Southland Conference, the university offers 13 varsity sports for 260 student-athletes who balance competitive athletics with academic and spiritual growth.

Academics & Faculty

Houston Christian University operates as a faith-based institution where Christianity shapes every academic program. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors can mentor students individually. The university emphasizes integrating biblical principles with traditional disciplines like business, education, and the sciences. Only 49.8% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing rigorous coursework with spiritual development requirements. HCU requires chapel attendance and theology courses for all students. The nursing and education programs attract students seeking careers in service-oriented fields. Faculty members are expected to be practicing Christians who can guide students both academically and spiritually through their undergraduate experience.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
50.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
49.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
49.8%
Retention Rate
69.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,933
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $80,022
Business/Commerce, General. Master $76,460
Human Resources Management and Services. Master $72,510
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $69,770
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $56,979
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research. Master $55,286
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $53,775
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Master $53,179
Curriculum and Instruction. Master $50,201
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $48,041

View all 104 programs →

Campus Life

Houston Christian University sits in the nation's fourth-largest city, putting internships and job opportunities right at students' doorsteps. With housing for 1,032 students and total enrollment of 2,777, about 37% live on campus in a close-knit community. Houston's subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and rarely touch a winter coat.

The student body reflects Houston's diversity, with 39.76% Hispanic, 23.59% Black, and 18.44% White students creating a multicultural campus environment. Women outnumber men 61.58% to 38.42%, typical for many Christian universities. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Students gather for chapel services and participate in Division I Southland Conference athletics, cheering on the Huskies in 13 varsity sports. Weekend activities center around campus ministries, Houston's museums and restaurants, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the warm weather. The Baptist foundation shapes campus culture, though students from various faith backgrounds attend.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
1,032 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1960

Campus Safety (2023)

22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 10 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Stalking 2 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
42°–64°F
July Avg
76°–94°F
Annual Precipitation
51.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly 95% of students come from Texas, reflecting Houston Christian's strong ties to local Baptist communities and families seeking affordable Christian education close to home. The student body is majority Hispanic and includes significant Black and white populations, mirroring Houston's diverse demographics. Women outnumber men by about 60-40, typical for schools with strong education, nursing, and liberal arts programs. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families who value faith-based education but need financial assistance to afford private tuition.
Men
38.4%
Women
61.6%
White
18.4%
Black
23.6%
Hispanic
39.8%
Asian
6.3%
In-State Students
94.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
54.0%

Location

Houston Christian University sits in America's fourth-largest city, with 2.3 million residents in the metro area. The campus operates within Houston's sprawling urban landscape, where students access internships at major energy companies and medical centers. Houston's diverse economy spans oil and gas, aerospace, and healthcare industries. The city's humid subtropical climate means hot summers and mild winters. Students experience a major metropolitan environment with professional sports teams, strong museums, and extensive dining scenes. The university serves a predominantly local student body, with 94.61% coming from Texas. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Houston Christian University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Houston, Texas 77074-3298
Cac.wide.web
Cac.wide.web
HBUAthleticCenter2
HBUAthleticCenter2
HBU CIMG0209
HBU CIMG0209

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,933
Median Earnings (5 years)
$61,737
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,400
Loan Repayment Rate
55.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$240/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,642

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Houston Christian University?

Houston Christian University accepts 84.48% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060-1230 on the SAT. This Baptist university prioritizes faith integration alongside academic preparation in its admissions process.

How much does Houston Christian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,710 after aid, lower than the $38,100 sticker price. About 54% of students receive financial aid, and the median debt upon graduation is $22,642. The university provides substantial institutional grants averaging $26,908 to help make Christian education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Houston Christian University?

The student-faculty ratio is 18:1 across the university's 2,777 enrolled students. Houston Christian emphasizes small class sizes as part of its commitment to personalized Christian education. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs with faith integration woven throughout the curriculum.

What are the graduation outcomes at Houston Christian University?

The six-year graduation rate is 49.80%, and graduates earn a median salary of $55,933 ten years after graduation. About 93% of graduates find employment after completing their degrees. The university's focus on Christian values and practical education helps prepare students for meaningful careers.

Where is Houston Christian University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Houston, Texas, serving primarily in-state students who make up 94.61% of enrollment. Housing capacity accommodates 1,032 students in a community that's 61.58% women and diverse. The university fields 13 varsity sports in NCAA Division I as the Huskies, competing in the Southland Conference.

How diverse is the student body at Houston Christian University?

The student population is 39.76% Hispanic, 23.59% Black, 18.44% White, and 6.30% Asian, creating a remarkably diverse Christian learning environment. This diversity reflects Houston's multicultural character and the university's commitment to serving students from all backgrounds. About 54% of students are Pell Grant recipients, indicating significant socioeconomic diversity as well.