Houston, Texas, Oct. 20, 2026 – Houston Christian University (HCU) has entered a partnership with Houston Independent School District (HISD) to offer a secure pathway to higher education for qualifying HISD students through the University’s Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP).
The partnership, established through a Memorandum of Understanding and Data Privacy Agreement, allows eligible HISD students to bypass the traditional admissions process to be enrolled automatically at HCU. Requirements for GAP include maintaining a minimum, unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and being on track to complete state math graduation requirements.
“When we launched the Guaranteed Admission Program two years ago, we wanted more Houston-area students to understand that Houston Christian University is an attainable option for their future, with significant merit scholarships available to them. Our partnership with HISD allows us to build on that vision in a meaningful way, connecting more students with a clear pathway to college and the opportunities that come with an HCU education,” said Dr. James Steen, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at HCU.
HISD students who qualify for guaranteed admission must also complete HCU’s onboarding form and any additional applicable admissions requirements. To receive full consideration for financial aid, based on eligibility, students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Eligible HISD students will qualify to receive a merit scholarship based on their unweighted GPA, with award amounts varying by GPA range. Additional scholarship and financial aid opportunities also may be available.
This agreement reflects HCU’s and HISD’s commitment to expanding post-secondary opportunities, supporting academic achievement and helping students prepare for success beyond high school. Through this partnership, both institutions will collaborate to implement the program, foster effective communications and support eligible students as they transition to the University.
“Our goal is to ensure every HISD student is future ready, leaving high school prepared to take meaningful next steps toward a life of success. Our partnership with HCU will help our students bridge their hard work in high school into college opportunities. Together, we’re building pathways to a more prosperous future,” said Jill Quinn, Deputy Chief of CCMR.
HISD students and their families can learn more about eligibility and participation in this program through their high school counselors and college readiness teams.
For program details, onboarding information, and scholarship opportunities, visit HCU’s Guaranteed Admission Program webpage and HCU Scholarships.
Through this partnership, HISD and Houston Christian University are working together to make college more accessible and help students turn their academic achievements into opportunities for future success.
# # #
About Houston Independent School District
The Houston Independent School District is the largest public school system in Texas and the eighth-largest in the United States. Serving a diverse student population across more than 260 campuses, HISD is dedicated to preparing every student for success in college, career, and life.
About Houston Christian University
For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan centers, HCU’s culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.