Baylor University vs Houston Christian University: which has better ROI?
Baylor University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $164,416 in 9.4 years versus 10.9 years at Houston Christian University, on median earnings of $65,793 vs $55,933 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Baylor University | Houston Christian University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $41,104 | $20,629 |
| Total net cost | $164,416 | $82,516 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $65,793 | $55,933 |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $22,642 |
| Payback | 9.4 yrs | 10.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $184,244 | $68,944 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Baylor University or Houston Christian University?
Houston Christian University, at $20,629 a year after aid versus $41,104 — a gap of $20,475 a year, or $81,900 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Baylor University or Houston Christian University graduates earn more?
Baylor University graduates report a median $65,793 ten years after entry, $9,860 more than the $55,933 at Houston Christian University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Baylor University or Houston Christian University?
Houston Christian University: its completers carry a median $22,642 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Baylor University, a difference of $358. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
80% of students finish at Baylor University, against 49% at Houston Christian University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.