Houston Christian University

Yes, HCU is online and offers almost three dozen online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The NCES shows that approximately 13% of HCU undergraduates and 59% of graduate students participate entirely remotely. 

Undergraduate fields of study include psychology, Christian counseling, and criminal justice, and graduate studies include human services, higher education, and kinesiology - sport management.

Houston Baptist University changed its name to Houston Christian University in 2022 in order to be more inclusive and welcoming of students from many Christian faith denominations and those who don't claim a faith. It believes its new name more accurately reflects its broad community of alumni, student body, faculty, and staff.

Yes, HCU is a good school. Data from the Department of Education's College Scorecard shows that 71% of HCU's undergraduates return after their first year. Median annual earnings for graduates are $51,555, higher than the $47,922 midpoint for all four-year schools. 

Besides HCU's solid retention rate and potential earnings, OnlineU considers HCU in good standing as well, ranking it #6 for best online Christian counseling degrees and #14 for best marriage and family therapy degrees online.

The school's institutional accreditation status also signifies it's a reputable school. HCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctorate degrees, and certificates. 

To provide the most trustworthy schools available, OnlineU only includes accredited online institutions on its site.

HCU is known for the generous scholarships it offers students. For example, HCU offers five merit scholarships and grants that award between $44,000 and $96,000 and partners with Raise.ME, so students can earn up to $70,000 while still in high school. Transfer students can also apply for five transfer scholarships that award between $3,000 and $16,000.  

HCU's bachelor's degrees in registered nursing, accounting, and business administration provide the highest earnings, according to College Scorecard data. Graduates earn median annual salaries of approximately $73,200, $63,200, and $46,700, respectively. 

Getting into HCU is relatively easy. It accepts 72% of graduates, according to College Scorecard. It's unclear whether entrance exams are currently required. However, admitted students who have submitted their scores generally have average combined SAT scores of 1144 and ACT composite scores of 25, according to HCU's admissions information.

While HCU's individual degree programs may have additional requirements, its admission requirements for first-year students generally include the following: 

• A free application
• Official high school transcripts showing placement in the top half of a student's graduating class 
• SAT combined score of at least 1070 and/or ACT composite score of at least 21 and/or Classic Learning Test (CLT) composite score of at least 69
• Official college transcripts if transferring credit
• Military transcripts, if applicable

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