At $19,710/yr net price, Houston Christian University graduates earn $55,933/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,933/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,710 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,933/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,933/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,642 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,782/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,020/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,618/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,711/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,103/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,022 | $47,848 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $72,510 | $33,850 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,770 | $21,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,979 | $27,500 |
| Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research. | Master | $55,286 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,775 | $27,333 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $53,179 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $50,201 | $38,564 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $48,041 |
The Risk Factor
49.8% of students at Houston Christian University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Houston Christian University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's net price of under $20,000 makes it affordable compared to most private universities, but a 50% graduation rate means half of students never finish their degrees.
Business programs at HCU offer the strongest earning potential, with management graduates earning $80,000 annually and general business majors reaching $76,000. Nursing also performs well at nearly $70,000 with lower debt loads of $21,750. However, business management comes with high debt of $47,848, which erodes the financial advantage. Human resources graduates earn $72,510 with more manageable debt of $33,850.
The biggest financial risk at HCU is not graduating. With retention rates below 70%, many students transfer or drop out, leaving them with debt but no degree. This risk is amplified in expensive programs where students accumulate significant loans early.
HCU works financially for students committed to high-earning majors like business or nursing who can handle the academic demands. The school fits students who need a private university experience but cannot afford $40,000+ annual costs elsewhere. However, undecided students face significant risk given the poor retention rates.
Students considering lower-paying majors should look elsewhere unless they have strong financial aid packages. The school's location in Houston provides internship and job opportunities in energy, healthcare, and business sectors, which benefits graduates in relevant fields. Merit scholarships can improve the value proposition, particularly for students targeting the strongest programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston Christian University worth the cost?
Houston Christian University offers moderate value with graduates earning $55,933 after 10 years and carrying typical debt of $22,642. The business programs show strong returns with management graduates earning around $80,000, but the 50% graduation rate indicates significant completion risk.
What are the best paying majors at Houston Christian University?
Business Administration and Management leads at $80,022 annually, followed by general business at $76,460 and human resources at $72,510. Nursing graduates earn $69,770 while accounting majors see lower returns at $56,979.
How much debt do Houston Christian University graduates have?
The median debt load is $22,642, which is manageable compared to the $55,933 average earnings after 10 years. However, this assumes you graduate - with only a 50% completion rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
What is the graduation rate at Houston Christian University?
Only 49.8% of students graduate from Houston Christian University. This low completion rate means roughly half of students will leave with debt but without earning a degree, making the financial risk significant.