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Houston Christian University

Houston, TX·Private nonprofit·2,777 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker; 54% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

85%
Accept
2,777
Students
$19,710
Net Price
50%
Grad Rate
$52,300
Earnings
10 yr
$11,000
Debt

About This School

Houston Christian University is a private nonprofit institution located in Houston, Texas with approximately 2,777 undergraduate students enrolled. Houston Christian University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 85%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,710 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, and the typical graduate earns $52,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University (HBU), is a private university in Houston, Texas, United States. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Its Cultural Arts Center houses three museums: the Dunham Bible Museum, the Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Southern History.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — the 50% graduation rate and 69% freshman retention rate suggest that a lot of students who start here don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a low $11,000, and the $19,710 average net price makes it one of the more affordable private university options in Houston. Worth considering if you're drawn to a faith-based, close-knit campus environment and have a clear plan to stay on track academically, but ask hard questions about support resources before committing.

Founded
1960
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions19%
Business & Marketing17%
Psychology12%
Biological Sciences9%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Education4%
Engineering2%
Physical Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Colin MontgomerieBill FloresAnicet LavodramaE. C. Coleman

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1092
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile590

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$38,100
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,100
Avg Net Price
$19,710
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants54%
Median debt at graduation$11,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
50%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
69%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$52,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$52,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White18%
Black24%
Hispanic/Latino40%
Asian6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,777 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Houston Christian University

7502 Fondren Rd

Houston, TX 77074-3298

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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