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
Paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a Texas family looking at nearby options or coming from out of state, this guide breaks down what Houston Christian University (HCU) actually costs—and what scholarships and aid are available to help. If you’re just starting, be sure to also check out our Texas Financial Aid Guide and full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Houston Christian University
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 credits, block rate) | $38,000 | $38,000 |
| Mandatory Fees | $2,530 | $2,530 |
| Housing & Meals | $13,469 | $13,469 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,802 | $2,802 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $59,701 | $59,701 |
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 federal data.
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.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founders Scholarship | Up to $17,000/yr | 3.88–4.00 GPA; higher ACT/SAT/CLT can move a student into this tier | No | Yes (GPA required) | Top students with near-perfect GPAs; test submitters can boost into this tier |
| Husky Heritage & Honors Scholarship | Up to $15,000/yr | 3.70–3.87 GPA | No | Yes | Strong academic students just below the top tier |
| President’s Scholarship | Up to $13,000/yr | 3.40–3.69 GPA | No | Yes | Solid B+/A- range students with consistent grades |
| Legacy Grant | Up to $11,000/yr | 3.00–3.39 GPA | No | Yes | Students with a solid B average |
| University Grant | Up to $9,000/yr | 2.75–2.99 GPA | No | Yes | Students in the mid-to-high C+/B- range |
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.
🏆 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.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ Honors College
HCU’s Honors College is built around a great-books curriculum that replaces the general education core. Instead of large lecture halls, students work in small Socratic seminars that emphasize discussion, writing, and mentorship. Admission is selective, with a separate application that includes essays and recommendations, and finalists are often invited to interview. While there is no named Honors College scholarship, students admitted here typically qualify for HCU’s top automatic merit awards.
GPA in the 3.7+ range with rigorous coursework (AP/dual credit or honors classes), strong writing skills, leadership in school or church, and a clear interest in reading, writing, and critical thinking. Most Honors admits fall into the Founders Scholarship tier (up to $17,000/yr).
- Priority course registration
- Replacement of general education with honors seminars
- Close faculty mentorship and thesis preparation
- Special lectures, roundtables, and co-curricular experiences
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must submit a separate application that includes essays, recommendations, and sometimes an interview.
Does Honors add time to the degree?
No. The Honors curriculum fulfills core requirements, so it should not extend graduation time.
Are there scholarships just for Honors?
Not directly. However, Honors students generally qualify for HCU’s top automatic merit awards, like the Founders Scholarship. Those pursuing STEM majors may also compete for the Grace Hopper Scholarship, which can cover up to full tuition.
When should my student apply?
It’s best to apply early in senior year alongside the admission application to ensure consideration for the next cohort.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Sorting through tuition numbers and scholarship tiers at Houston Christian University can feel overwhelming at first. But once you see how automatic merit lines up with GPA, where the hidden gems live (church matching, ministry, ROTC, and regional awards), and how the Honors College shapes the academic experience, the path becomes much clearer. Families who do their homework early often find that the real cost of HCU is far less than the sticker price—and that stacking awards can make a private, faith-driven education surprisingly affordable.
✅ Last updated: September 25, 2025