Houston Christian University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~84%
- Middle 50% ACT: 17–24
- Middle 50% SAT: 1010–1190
- Average GPA (HS): ~3.4
Source: HCU/BigFuture & third-party admissions summaries (latest available). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
HCU at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Is HCU test-optional, and do test scores matter for scholarships?
Yes—HCU is test-optional for admission. If you submit ACT, SAT, or CLT scores, they’ll be reviewed for scholarship consideration and can raise your merit award tier.
Does HCU superscore the ACT or SAT?
HCU doesn’t state a formal superscoring policy. They use your highest submitted score for scholarship review, but superscoring isn’t officially listed.
How late can I submit new test scores to improve my merit award?
HCU will consider updated test scores received before the first day of classes for scholarship increases.
Are there any full-tuition or full-ride scholarships?
No. The largest automatic freshman merit award is the Founders Scholarship, which covers up to $24,000 per year.
Is the Honors College automatic or by application?
Admission is competitive and requires a separate application to the Honors College.
Do out-of-state students get any tuition waivers?
No. Because HCU is a private university, it doesn’t participate in reciprocity programs like WUE, MSEP, or ACM.
University COA page — https://hc.edu/student-accounts/cost-of-attendance/
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees — https://hc.edu/tuition-aid/undergraduate-tuition/
Scholarships & Grants (Founders Scholarship) — https://hc.edu/admissions/gap/
Financial Aid Overview — https://hc.edu/tuition-aid/
Honors College — https://hc.edu/academics/honors-college/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?225399-Houston-Christian-University
College Board BigFuture — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/houston-christian-university
💰 Cost of Attendance at Houston Christian University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits, block rate) | $40,680 | $40,680 |
| Housing & Meals | $13,469 | $13,469 |
| Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) | $54,149 | $54,149 |
Note: Books & Supplies ($1,000), Transportation ($1,900), Personal Expenses ($2,802), and typical federal loan fee ($75) are not included in the table above because they are not paid directly to the university; they are estimated indirect costs used for financial aid budgeting.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state vs. out-of-state rates?
At HCU, everyone pays the same tuition because it is a private university.
How much do most families actually pay?
On average, families paid about $19,710 after grants and scholarships, according to recent national reporting.
Is there a way to reduce the sticker price automatically?
Yes. HCU awards automatic merit scholarships based on GPA (and optionally test scores). These can significantly reduce the published cost of attendance.
University COA page — https://hc.edu/student-accounts/cost-of-attendance/
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees — https://hc.edu/tuition-aid/undergraduate-tuition/
College Board BigFuture (Net Price & Housing) — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/houston-christian-university/tuition-and-costs
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?225399-Houston-Christian-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founders Scholarship | Up to $17,000/yr | 3.88–4.00 GPA; higher ACT/SAT/CLT scores can move a student into this tier | No | Yes (GPA required) | Top students with near-perfect GPAs; test submitters can boost eligibility | June 15 (recommended) |
| Husky Heritage & Honors Scholarship | Up to $15,000/yr | 3.70–3.87 GPA | No | Yes | Strong academic students just below the top tier | June 15 (recommended) |
| President’s Scholarship | Up to $13,000/yr | 3.40–3.69 GPA | No | Yes | Solid B+/A- students with consistent grades | June 15 (recommended) |
| Legacy Grant | Up to $11,000/yr | 3.00–3.39 GPA | No | Yes | Students with a solid B average | June 15 (recommended) |
| University Grant | Up to $9,000/yr | 2.75–2.99 GPA | No | Yes | Students in the mid-to-high C+/B- range | June 15 (recommended) |
| Grace Hopper Scholarship | Full tuition (varies by cohort) | New first-year engineering students; 3.25+ GPA | No — evaluated based on academic file | Yes; GPA and honors progress needed | Top applicants in cyber, engineering, or STEM programs | June 15 |
Note: ACT, SAT, or CLT scores are optional but can move a student into a higher award tier if submitted.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need a separate application?
No. All first-year students are automatically considered when they apply for admission.
Does HCU superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes. If you submit test scores, HCU will superscore (take the highest section scores across test dates) to maximize eligibility.
Can these awards stack with other scholarships?
They generally stack with need-based aid and departmental awards, but RaiseMe scholarships act as a guaranteed minimum, not an additional stack. Check with the Financial Aid office if you qualify for multiple institutional awards.
Is there a deadline?
Students should apply for admission early. For RaiseMe submissions, the deadline is October 31 of senior year. Other institutional scholarship portals may close by June 15 for fall admits.
https://fortbendisd.com/
https://hc.edu/grace-hopper-scholarship/
https://hc.edu/the-honors-college/
https://hc.edu/types-of-financial-aid/
https://hc.edu/frequently-asked-questions-about-financial-aid/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly selective, competitive scholarships)
These are the university’s top, competitive awards (think full tuition/full ride–level prestige). If HCU publishes new flagship competitions, they’ll appear here.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | No university-level flagship competitive scholarships are currently published. | — | — | — |
Note: Departmental/college-based competitive awards (e.g., STEM full-tuition programs) and Honors items are listed in their own sections per CRP format.
Flagship/Competitive FAQ
Does HCU offer a general full-ride or full-tuition flagship competition?
Not at this time on the public scholarship pages. Check back—if HCU launches a university-wide competitive scholarship, we’ll add it here with deadlines and application steps.
Where should we look for competitive opportunities in the meantime?
Explore the 💎 Hidden Gems section and the 🎖️ Honors College section for selective programs, plus departmental pages for major-specific competitive awards.
Can competitive/flagship-style awards stack with automatic merit?
Often some stacking is allowed, but it depends on the specific award rules. Always confirm stacking language on the official award page and with Financial Aid before you commit.
Are there national flagship programs here (National Merit, Stamps, QuestBridge)?
If HCU participates in any of these, we’ll note them directly below the table with details and links. Currently, no university-level participation is published.
https://hc.edu/scholarships/
https://hc.edu/financial-aid/
https://hc.edu/grace-hopper-scholarship/
https://hc.edu/merit-awards/
🎖️ Honors College
HCU’s Honors College is built around a great-books curriculum that replaces the general education core. Rather than large lecture halls, students participate in small Socratic seminars focused on discussion, writing, and mentorship. Admission is selective with a separate application (including essays, recommendations, and an interview for finalists) and is open to students of any major. There is no named Honors College-specific scholarship, but admitted students typically qualify for HCU’s top automatic merit awards like the Founders Scholarship (up to $17,000/yr).
GPA in the 3.7+ range with AP, dual credit, or honors classes; strong writing and communication skills; leadership in school, church, or community; and clear motivation for discussion and critical thinking. Honors admits most often qualify for the Founders tier automatic awards.
- Priority course registration
- Replacement of general education with honors seminars
- Faculty mentorship and thesis support
- Special lectures, roundtables, and co-curricular experiences
- Graduate and professional school preparation programs
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Honors requires a separate application process, including essays, recommendations, and sometimes an interview.
Does Honors add time to the degree?
No. The curriculum fulfills the university core and should not extend time to graduation for most majors.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships?
Not directly. Honors students typically qualify for HCU’s top automatic merit awards. STEM majors may also compete for the Grace Hopper Scholarship, which can cover up to full tuition.
When should my student apply?
Apply early in senior year, ideally alongside the general admission application, to maximize cohort consideration.
https://hc.edu/the-honors-college/
https://hc.edu/application-and-admission-information/
https://hc.edu/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-honors-college/
https://hc.edu/honors-college-offers-distinguished-study-program/
https://hc.edu/merit-awards/
https://hc.edu/grace-hopper-scholarship/
⭐ College Specialty
Houston Christian University may not carry the research classification of a big public R1 university, but it has carved out strong reputations in select areas. For families looking at a private, faith-driven option in Houston, HCU is especially well known for programs that connect directly to high-demand careers and the region’s professional networks.
Consistently reports NCLEX first-time pass rates above 95% and benefits from Houston’s major medical hub, making it one of HCU’s most recognized programs statewide.
- Business (Archie W. Dunham College of Business): Large alumni base in Houston, strong local placement, and industry speaker series with 70+ professionals each year.
- STEM & Cybersecurity: Offers specialized majors in Cyber Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Systems; paired with the Grace Hopper Scholarship that can cover up to full tuition for high-achieving STEM majors.
- Christian Ministry & Theology: Known regionally for preparing students for church leadership roles, supported by ministerial scholarships and denominational ties with Baptist churches.