Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist) Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~84%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21
- Middle 50% SAT: 1100
- Average GPA: 3.4
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist) at a Glance
- No true “big swing” scholarships: Even the top merit caps around $17,000/year—there are no full-tuition or full-ride options, so families need to plan for remaining costs.
- Test-optional… but scores can still move the needle: Submitting a strong ACT/SAT can increase your merit—and you can even update scores after admission to try for a higher award.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist) is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21; SAT: 1100.
Average net price? About $19,710/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Grace Hopper Scholarship page: https://hc.edu/science-and-engineering/news-and-events/grace-hopper-scholarship/
Freshmen merit awards page: https://hc.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/merit-awards/freshmen-merit-awards/
University scholarship page: https://hc.edu/additional-undergraduate-scholarships/
CCB Fellows scholarship page: https://hc.edu/ccb-fellows-scholarship-program/
Stewart Morris Wharton scholarship page: https://hc.edu/stewart-morris-wharton-endowed-scholarship-application/
Alumni endowed scholarship page: https://hc.edu/alumni-endowed-scholarship/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist) 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $40,680 | $10,680 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $13,469 | $13,469 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $54,149 | $24,149 |
Average Federal Net Price: $19,710 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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.