The college decision is an important one for students and their families. It’s always wise to take time to seek out answers to the questions you have, so that you can make an informed decision. HBU’s admissions representatives are always available to answer questions, but to give you a head start, they have put together a list of their most frequently asked questions about the admission process and life at HBU. If you don’t see the answers you need, please contact your admissions representative. They’re here to help as you make your college decision.

Applying to and attending HBU…

Q: Is there an application deadline?
A: No. There is no University application deadline. However, some programs will have specific program deadlines and program entry requirements. In every case, the Admissions Office should receive all credentials at least 60 days prior to the proposed registration date.

Q: Is an application fee required and if so, how much?
A: Yes, a $25 non-refundable application processing fee is required. After July 1st, the application fee increases to $50 for the fall semester.

Q: Does the University have a minimum SAT/ACT requirement?
A: Yes. A re-centered composite score of 1010 (480 critical reading + mathematical reasoning) or ACT Composite score of 20 (20 English) is required. HBU also requires students to take the writing skills section. This section is used for advising purposes.

Q: Does your university combine multiple SAT/ACT scores?
A: Yes. We combine the highest possible set of scores from separate SAT/ACT tests.

Q: What is the essay portion of the application used for and how long does it need to be?
A: All students are required to submit an essay of approximately 250 words. This essay helps the Admissions Office learn more about a student and helps us to ensure that HBU is a good fit for the student.

Q: What if I fail to meet the minimum SAT/ACT requirement?
A: A student who has graduated from a regionally-accredited high school but who does not meet the minimum test score of 1010 on the SAT (or who fails to submit an SAT Verbal of 480) or composite score of 20 on the ACT (or who fails to submit an ACT English score of 20) is eligible for admission to HBU on a provisional basis. In addition to the regular application procedures (including the essay requirement), an applicant for provisional admission must submit a personal statement of approximately 250 words discussing the applicant's educational and career goals, and must submit two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a teacher, counselor, or other academic official. The provisionally admitted student must attain an overall GPA of 2.0 on all courses attempted in order to be allowed to continue at HBU in the next term. If the student does not post a 2.0 GPA at HBU, he or she must take 12 hours at a regionally accredited college or university before reapplying. Priority registration for the following term is not available for provisionally admitted students. Upon completion of a term with an overall GPA of 2.0, a provisionally admitted student will become a student in good academic standing.

Q: Does the University accept students who have completed a homeschool curriculum?
A: Yes. Students who have submitted a homeschool curriculum should read our Homeschool Admission information.

Q: Will the university accept the General Education Diploma (GED)?
A: Yes. Students who have submitted a minimum acceptable total score of at least 50 on the General Educational Development Testing Program (GED) and have submitted an acceptable total score of at least 1010 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test of the College Entrance Examination (SAT) or composite score of at least 20 on the American College Testing Program (ACT) may be admitted to HBU.

Q: Does the university accept dual-credit?
A: Yes. Dual-credit from an accredited college or university with a grade of C or better is accepted.

Q: What are the transfer admissions requirements?
A: HBU welcomes students at any point in their educational career. Transfer students should read our Transfer Admission information for more information on specific application requirements, credit transfer information, and special orientations designed for transfer students. Admission requirements do differ for students with more than or less than 30 hours of transferring credit

Q: Will credit hours from another university transfer?
A: An official transcript from the issuing institution will need to be submitted for any student wishing to receive transfer credit. The issuing institution must be regionally accredited for the student to be eligible to receive credit. Remedial or developmental hours are not transferable.

Q: What types of scholarships and grants does HBU offer?
A: HBU offers a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities for both freshman and transfer students. You can learn more about available scholarships and grants. Students may also be eligible for additional forms of financial aid such as state and federal grants, work-study, and loans, and should consult with the Financial Services office for more information on their specific eligibility.

Q: Can students register online or over the phone?
A: All new students must complete their first registration on the HBU campus. During this initial registration students are instructed on how register online for future registrations. Barring any suspensions or holds, returning students may register online.

Q: Do I have to live on campus?
A: Students are required to live on campus unless the student is either:

• 21 years of age or older prior to September 1 or has completed 96 credit hours prior to the beginning of the fall semester
• Married or a graduate student
• Enrolled for 12 or fewer credits per semester (part-time student)
• Living at home with parents/guardians in the Houston area

Q: Does out of state tuition apply?
A: No, there is not a difference in tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students.

Q: How many courses are considered a full load?
A: Any student taking 12 or more credit hours is considered to be full-time. Any student wishing to take more than 15 hours needs to speak with his/her advisor.

Q: Are internships and study-abroad programs available?
A: Yes. HBU’s location in Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city, offers a variety of internship and study-abroad opportunities.

Q: Does the university have a graduate school?
A: HBU currently offers nine degrees at the masters level as well as other continuing education opportunities, such as Alternative Teaching Certification.

 

About HBU and the Houston area….

Q: What year was the campus founded?
A: Houston Baptist University, a Texas Baptist institution, is a coeducational, independent university was founded in 1960. Read more history about HBU.

Q: How large is your campus?
A: Our 100-acre campus is located in Houston, Texas - one of the nation's most vibrant and diverse cities. View the Interactive Campus Map.

Q: Does Houston Baptist require that students be of the Christian faith to attend?
A: HBU welcomes students of all faiths and denominations. There is no requirement for students to be a Christian. However, all undergraduate students are required to complete 9 semester hours of Christianity coursework as well as 80 Community Life & Worship credits, which can be earned through a variety of activities to graduate. All faculty and staff are required to be of the Christian faith.

Q: What is the Spiritual Life Program?
A: The Spiritual Life Program seeks to nurture community, develop student leadership, build moral character, and provide an environment for every student to know Christ. Because of HBU’s strong commitment to spiritual development, a Community Life & Worship (CLW) graduation requirement has been developed for all undergraduate students seeking a degree. A variety of options, including attendance at Convocation, Bible studies, and community and social service opportunities, are provided to help students fulfill this requirement.

Q: What types of sports does HBU offer?
A: HBU sponsors varsity athletic teams and is a member of the Great West Conference in NCAA-Division I. The Huskies compete in men’s basketball, baseball golf and soccer, and women’s basketball, volleyball, golf, softball and soccer, as well as in cross country and track and field. Students may also participate in club sports competing against other schools and/or intramural sports for friendly competition with other HBU students.

Q: What is your student-to-teacher ratio?
A: HBU currently has a 15 to 1 student/teacher ratio.

Q: Is there a health facility on campus?
A: The Student Health Services clinic is located on the first floor of the Lake House. Services are provided to all students who are currently enrolled. An attending family practice physician supports the clinic.

Q: Are jobs available on campus?
A: The Career Center located in the Hinton Building has a listing of all on campus employment opportunities. Please inquire early in the semester as job postings tend to fill quickly.

Q: Does the college provide overnight housing for prospective students?
A: Overnight housing is provided to prospective students when they attend Fall or Spring Preview. Other visits can be arranged upon request. Please contact your admissions representative for more information.

Q: What attractions are in reasonable distance to the college?
A: HBU’s location offers easy access to many of the city’s attractions. The Galleria shopping area is approximately 10-15 minutes from campus. Other local attractions include Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium, the theater district, the museum district, the downtown business district, and the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. HBU is also within easy driving distance of attractions such as NASA or the beaches of Galveston.