Research.com
Houston Christian University logo

Houston Christian University

#1056 in US ranking Houston, TX
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

Represent this school?

Update this profile on Research.com

Houston Christian University award

Cost

Cost / year
$51,936
Tuition & fees
$40,680
Avg. aid
$25,583
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
84%
SAT range
990–1190
ACT range
17–24

Outcomes

Graduation rate
49%
Median salary
$51,868
1 yr after graduation

What does Houston Christian University offer in terms of athletics?

HCU competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Southland Conference. Varsity sports include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, and other men's and women's teams.

Varsity participation generally involves team selection, practice, travel, and NCAA eligibility rules. Students who want sports without a varsity commitment should distinguish those teams from any current club, intramural, and recreational offerings; not every activity listed in a campus sports directory is an NCAA team. Prospective athletes should use the relevant team's recruiting process and confirm current roster opportunities and aid terms rather than assume that interest in a sport brings an athletic scholarship.

What student groups and Associations are available at Houston Christian University?

Student involvement at HCU extends beyond classes and varsity sports. Recognized organizations provide ways to participate in student leadership, academic and professional interests, service, faith-related activities, and the performing arts.

HCU reports a student-run newspaper, a theater group, a marching band, and choral groups. These are distinct from informal gatherings and university-operated services: each has its own participation expectations. Because organization recognition and activity can change, students looking for a particular club should consult the current student-organization directory or campus activities office rather than rely on an older list.

Who studies at Houston Christian University?

HCU reported 4,276 students enrolled, making it a mid-sized institution by total enrollment. Its incoming population includes both first-time and transfer students: the reported counts were 751 first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates and 291 transfer-in students.

The student body includes traditional-age and older learners. Reported age counts include substantial groups in the late teens and early twenties, alongside students in their thirties, forties, and beyond. About 91% of students in the reported geographic measure were Texas residents, so out-of-state applicants should expect to join a population drawn largely from the state.

Reported racial and ethnic counts include 1,310 Hispanic or Latino students and 850 Black or African American students, as well as students in other reported categories. Such figures describe enrollment, not an individual student's experience. Students evaluating their likely classroom environment should also distinguish institution-wide enrollment from the size and format of their intended program.

How does student life look like at Houston Christian University?

Daily life at HCU combines a Houston commuter campus with a residential community. Reported figures indicate that roughly 29% of students live on campus and about 70% commute, so a student's opportunities to stay for evening activities may depend on travel time and schedule.

Welcome programming helps new students begin connecting with campus services and peers. HCU also offers student activities, performances, and recreation alongside its faith-related programming. Students who commute or attend part time may find it useful to compare the timing of organizations, campus events, advising, and wellness services with their work and class schedules. The university reports personal or psychological counseling services; students should check current access procedures and hours when they need support.

What libraries are available to students at Houston Christian University?

Moody Library is HCU's main library and a central resource for coursework and research. Students can use library study space and research materials, and reported services include reservable study rooms.

For a research assignment, the most useful library services may be access to scholarly databases and journals, help locating credible sources, and assistance obtaining material beyond the local collection. Students studying online or away from campus should check the library's current remote-access instructions and research-help options. Reported library information does not indicate a regularly available 24-hour study area, so students planning late-night work should verify current building hours.

Houston Christian University Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

4276

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

941

Member of Athletic Associations

NCAA

Total staff

136 full time, 237 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Houston Christian University Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 2,899
Graduate: 1,377

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 2,388
Part-time: 1,888

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 495
Men: 446

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 1,310
Black or African American: 850
White: 520
American Indian or Alaska Native: 9
Asian: 187
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 4
Two or more races: 65
Unknown: 179

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Houston Christian University Sports & Athletics

  • Member of NCAA

Varsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).

Sport

Varsity Intramural Aid

Baseball

Men–Men

Basketball

BothBothMen

Cross-country running

Both–Men

Football

MenBothMen

Golf

Both–Men

Rock climbing

–BothWomen

Sand volleyball

WomenBoth–

Soccer

BothBothBoth

Softball

Women––

Table tennis

–Both–

Track and field

Both–Men

Ultimate Frisbee

–Both–

Volleyball

WomenBoth–

Weight lifting

–Both–

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

Recently Published Articles