Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

Many students have questions regarding financial aid, and the list of questions below are commonly asked questions which direct you to specific information on our website. We have also provided a video library of additional questions that may arise during your journey through the financial aid process. If you do not find the answer to your question(s), please feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office.

  • Who do I contact when I have questions?

    New/incoming HCU students should reach out to their admissions counselor for financial aid information. Returning students can reach out to the Office of Financial Aid via email (financialaid@hc.edu), call (281) 649-3749, or may reach out to their specific financial aid advisor (determined by last name). Online students can reach out to the Online Office of Financial Aid via email (onlinefinancialaid@hc.edu), or call 855-428-1960, option #4, then option #1.

  • How do I for apply for financial assistance?

    You must first apply and be admitted to HCU. Then, submit your FAFSA application and include HCU’s school code – 003576. Get more information about applying for financial aid.

  • How do I create an FSA ID if I do not have a social security number?

    Individuals who do not possess an SSN (who fail the SSA match), as well as individuals who fail the TransUnion® verification processes, will be required to complete the StudentAid.gov account creation process specifically developed for those without an SSN. Learn more about how to get an FSAID for individuals without a social security number.

  • How do I know if I meet the eligibility and dependency status required for federal student aid?

    Get more information about eligibility and dependency status.

  • What are the estimated costs to attend Houston Christian University?

    Estimated cost of attendance includes direct costs such as tuition, fees, and room and board, and indirect costs such as transportation costs, books and supplies, and personal expenses. You can use our Net Price Calculator for an estimated cost.

  • What are the requirements to renew scholarships, loans, grants?

    Generally, students must submit the FAFSA application annually and remain in good academic standing in order to receive renewal of aid. Learn more information about aid renewal.

  • How, when and where do I receive my financial aid?

    Financial aid is disbursed at the beginning of each enrollment period/academic term. Learn more about receipt of aid.

  • What government grants are available?

    There are several government grants available to HCU students include the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG). Learn more about grants. *Online students may only be eligible for the Pell Grant.

  • How do I find campus employment as a work-study eligible student?

    Federal Work Study positions are listed on Hire a Husky. You can also reach out to the Office of Career and Calling for more information.

  • What are my rights and responsibilities as a student borrower?

    Students who receive financial aid have certain rights and responsibilities. Those who borrow aid in the form of loans have additional rights and responsibilities. Learn more about your specific rights and responsibilities.

  • I am graduating or withdrawing, where can I find information about my student loan repayment plans?

    Student loans are repaid to the respective loan service company from which funds were borrowed. Students should refer to their exit counseling documents completed at the time of enrollment or contact your loan servicer directly for more information about repayment options. An example of a loan repayment can be found online.

  • What institutional scholarships are available?

    There are numerous institutional scholarships available such as freshman/transfer merit awards, scholarships for academic program, vocation or church membership, and graduate scholarships. *An Online Undergraduate student is ineligible for campus-based scholarships, however there are a select number of Online Graduate degree programs that have scholarship opportunities.

  • What is the Student Aid Satisfactory Progress Policy?

    The satisfactory progress policy is in place to ensure that students maintain a minimum cumulative GPA in order to receive their financial aid award(s).

  • I withdrew from a class, am I eligible to receive a refund?

    Refund percentages vary based upon your date of withdrawal during an academic term. The Student Account’s office details the refund percentages for each semester.

  • What is HCU’s refund and repayment policy?

    Learn more about HCU’s refund and repayment policy. Please contact the office of Financial aid with any questions.

  • A company named Trellis is contacting me. Are they legitimate?

    Yes. Trellis Company is a nonprofit organization and trusted partner that works with Houston Christian University to help our students to be successful. Trellis contacts students on our behalf about important deadlines, announcements, financial resources and other information. To protect your information, Trellis may ask you to confirm your identity using personally identifiable information. Trellis may remind you about forms or payments that are due to Houston Christian University, but they will not request or accept anything from you directly.

  • A company named Inceptia is contacting me. Are they legitimate?

    Yes. Inceptia is a trusted partner that works with Houston Christian University to help our students to be successful. Inceptia contacts students on our behalf about their aggregate loan debt in order to keep our students informed on the total Federal debt that has been borrowed. To protect your information, Inceptia may ask you to confirm your identity using personally identifiable information, but they will not request or accept anything from you directly.