Houston Christian University

    Houston, TX · Private non-profit · Master's university

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    990–1190
    Median ~1090
    Acceptance rate
    84%
    Enrollment
    2,886
    ACT middle 50%
    17–24

    Current admissions guidance for HCU

    Houston Christian University is a private Christian university in Houston with a reported 990–1190 SAT middle-50% range in the federal College Scorecard snapshot. Its application supports both traditional and test-optional review.

    SAT/ACT policy

    HCU does not require SAT or ACT scores. Test-optional applicants receive holistic review and remain eligible for scholarships; the university may choose the review route that gives an applicant the strongest admission case.

    Application deadlines

    HCU uses a rolling freshman process rather than fixed Early Action or Regular Decision rounds. Applicants should submit the application and transcript early while space and aid remain available.

    How to use your SAT score

    • Submit scores when they improve the application relative to the academic record.
    • Test-optional applicants are still considered for scholarships.
    • Prioritize the transcript and required short response because both are central to holistic review.

    Admissions details checked July 17, 2026. Verify policies before applying: Houston Christian test-optional policy · Houston Christian freshman admissions.

    How HCU compares

    • The ~1090 SAT midpoint ranks #173 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #11 of 13 in TX.
    • Its 84% acceptance rate is more selective than 20% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
    • Reported section midpoints skew 10 points toward Reading and Writing (570 Math vs 580 Reading and Writing).
    • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($55,933) are $7,133 below the $63,066 median across that pool.
    National SAT rank
    #173 of 197
    SAT rank in TX
    #11 of 13
    More selective than
    20% of ranked colleges
    Earnings vs national median
    −$7,133

    What the numbers say about HCU

    • The reported middle 50% spans 200 points, from 990 to 1190. A planning score near or above 1230 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
    • The reported section midpoints are 580 Reading and Writing and 570 Math. Use the lower section as the first place to look for recoverable points in your own score split.
    • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 84% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
    • Reported outcomes include a 49% completion rate and $55,933 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.
    Understand a 1090 SAT scorePlan for a 1250Verify current admissions policy

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $39,430
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $39,430
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $55,933
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    49%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; repository snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

    How your SAT score lines up

    The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 990 and 1190. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

    • 1230 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1190 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1090 SAT (median): Within the upper half of the reported range.
    • 990 SAT (reported 25th percentile): Within the lower half of the reported range.
    At or above 1190

    Strong relative score

    At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

    990–1180

    Within the reported range

    Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

    Below 990

    Below the reported range

    Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

    Compare to other colleges →

    Colleges with similar SAT scores

    Ranked by proximity to HCU's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

    Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

    CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
    Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KY950–115068%
    University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI1080–129087%
    Flagler CollegeSaint Augustine, FL960–119081%
    Randolph-Macon CollegeAshland, VA980–122087%
    Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ1010–111079%
    Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA940–118055%

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for HCU?

    Houston Christian University's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 990–1190, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1230 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

    What is HCU's acceptance rate?

    Houston Christian University's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 84%.

    How much does it cost to attend HCU?

    Published tuition is approximately $39,430 per year (excludes room, board, fees).

    Is HCU test-optional?

    HCU does not require SAT or ACT scores. Test-optional applicants receive holistic review and remain eligible for scholarships; the university may choose the review route that gives an applicant the strongest admission case.

    When are HCU's application deadlines?

    HCU uses a rolling freshman process rather than fixed Early Action or Regular Decision rounds. Applicants should submit the application and transcript early while space and aid remain available.

    Official site: www.hc.edu