HBU vs. St. Mary's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Houston Christian University in Houston, TX with St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Houston Christian University is larger than St. Mary's University based on total student enrollment (4,276 students vs. 3,456 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houston Christian University is located in Houston, TX (Large City setting); St. Mary's University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Houston Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. Mary's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houston Christian University 18:1; St. Mary's University 11:1.

HBU vs. St. Mary's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HBU or St. Mary's University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at St. Mary's University than HBU ($20,412 vs. $21,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St. Mary's University are 0.3% lower than at Houston Christian University ($12,894 vs. $12,928).
• Houston Christian University is 5.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Mary's University (about $1,996 more per year; $39,430.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at HBU than at St. Mary's University (about $1,996 more per year; $39,430.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Houston Christian University as at St. Mary's University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Houston Christian University students is 5.1% larger than aid received by St. Mary's University students ($28,870 vs. $27,464).

HBU vs. St. Mary's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HBU or St. Mary's University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between St. Mary's University and HBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at St. Mary's University (1110) is 20 points higher than at HBU (1090).
• Incoming St. Mary's University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at HBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houston Christian University 990/1190; St. Mary's University 900/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houston Christian University 17/24; St. Mary's University 15/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HBU - Test optional; St. Mary's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Mary's University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Mary's University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at HBU (3.46).
• St. Mary's University has a higher acceptance rate (97.8%) than HBU (84.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.5% at HBU vs. 12.6% at St. Mary's University.

HBU vs. St. Mary's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HBU and St. Mary's University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• St. Mary's University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Houston Christian University's (45%).
• Graduates from Houston Christian University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than St. Mary's University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,600 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houston Christian University graduates have a $2,834 lower median loan debt than St. Mary's University graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, HBU graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Mary's University graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More St. Mary's University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HBU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.