HBU vs. UIW

Comparable Facts

Compare Houston Christian University in Houston, TX with University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the Incarnate Word is larger than HBU based on total student enrollment (7,047 students vs. 4,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houston Christian University is located in Houston, TX (Large City setting); University of the Incarnate Word is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Houston Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the Incarnate Word is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houston Christian University 18:1; University of the Incarnate Word 12:1.

HBU vs. UIW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HBU or UIW? 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 Houston Christian University than UIW ($21,282 vs. $23,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houston Christian University are 9.6% lower than at University of the Incarnate Word ($12,928 vs. $14,296).
• Houston Christian University is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UIW (about $2,340 more per year; $39,430.00 vs. $37,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at HBU than at University of the Incarnate Word (about $2,340 more per year; $39,430.00 vs. $37,090.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Houston Christian University as at University of the Incarnate Word (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Houston Christian University students is 13.9% larger than aid received by University of the Incarnate Word students ($28,870 vs. $25,354).

HBU vs. UIW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HBU or UIW? 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 UIW and HBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houston Christian University (1090) is 70 points higher than at UIW (1020).
• Incoming HBU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at UIW (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houston Christian University 990/1190; University of the Incarnate Word 900/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houston Christian University 17/24; University of the Incarnate Word 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HBU - Test optional; UIW - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman UIW students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at HBU (3.46).
• UIW has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than HBU (84.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.5% at HBU vs. 9.1% at UIW.

HBU vs. UIW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HBU and UIW? 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).

• Houston Christian University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than University of the Incarnate Word's (43%).
• Graduates from Houston Christian University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than UIW graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,600 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houston Christian University graduates have a $3,013 lower median loan debt than UIW graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,179).
• Among borrowers, HBU graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UIW graduates ($249 vs. $281).
• More HBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UIW students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 48%)

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.