Private Baptist university in Houston offering 100+ programs with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and NCAA Division I athletics.
Houston Christian University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs through six colleges: Arts and Humanities, Business, Christian Thought, Education and Behavioral Sciences, Fine Arts, Nursing, and Science and Engineering. The curriculum integrates Christian liberal arts principles across all disciplines. Notable programs include accounting, artificial intelligence, biochemistry-molecular biology, biblical studies, animation, and teacher certification tracks. Graduate offerings include the Houston Theological Seminary with Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity degrees. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, internships with Houston's Fortune 500 companies, and access to the Texas Medical Center for nursing and science majors.
The 158-acre campus is located in the Sharpstown area near the Southwest Freeway, minutes from downtown Houston. Housing includes the Reuben & Rebecca Bates Philips Residence Colleges (gender-separated for freshmen), the Sadie & Doug Hodo Residence College, and Husky Village apartments for upper-classmen. The Morris Cultural Arts Center houses three museums: the Dunham Bible Museum, Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts, and Museum of Southern History. Students earn Community Life and Worship (CLW) Credits through chapel, community service, Bible studies, and mission trips. The student body is ethnically diverse, reflecting Houston's demographics, with representation from 46 states and 59 countries.
Houston Christian competes in NCAA Division I with 17 varsity sports: men's baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and track and field; women's basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. The Huskies compete primarily in the Southland Conference (since 2013–14) with men's soccer in the Ohio Valley Conference. The football program began in 2013. Notable achievements include the 2025 NCAA Baseball Tournament appearance after winning the Southland Conference championship, women's soccer NCAA Tournament appearances in 2014 and 2016, and historic NAIA accomplishments. Alumni include NFL players Bailey Zappe, Caleb Johnson, and Jalyx Hunt, and professional golfer Colin Montgomerie.
HCU serves 97% of students with financial aid, awarding $47 million in scholarships and grants in 2024–2025. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and online admissions pathways. Prospective students can visit campus for Saturday tours and attend admissions events. The institution emphasizes accessibility through merit-based scholarships, talent awards, leadership scholarships, and athletic aid. Transfer students are welcome, and the university provides comprehensive academic support services including tutoring, advising, and accommodations.
Houston Christian University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and emphasizes a Christ-centered education integrating faith and learning. The institution's mission focuses on developing students academically, spiritually, physically, and relationally. The university maintains a Title IX religious exemption (granted 2017) allowing it to enforce policies based on religious doctrine. The campus culture emphasizes community, diversity, and spiritual formation through discipleship and faith-focused programming.