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Houston Christian University vs Saint Edward's University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Houston TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Austin TX

The verdict

Saint Edward's University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $102,312 in 9.8 years versus 10.9 years at Houston Christian University, on median earnings of $58,826 vs $55,933 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHouston Christian UniversitySaint Edward's University
Net price / yr$20,629$25,578
Total net cost$82,516$102,312
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,933$58,826
Median debt$22,642$24,803
Payback10.9 yrs9.8 yrs
20-year net return$68,944$107,008

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Houston Christian University or Saint Edward's University?

Houston Christian University, at $20,629 a year after aid versus $25,578 — a gap of $4,949 a year, or $19,796 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Houston Christian University or Saint Edward's University graduates earn more?

Saint Edward's University graduates report a median $58,826 ten years after entry, $2,893 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, Houston Christian University or Saint Edward's University?

Houston Christian University: its completers carry a median $22,642 in federal loans versus $24,803 at Saint Edward's University, a difference of $2,161. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

63% of students finish at Saint Edward's 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.

Houston Christian University vs Saint Edward's University: frequently asked questions

Is Houston Christian University or Saint Edward's University a better value?
Saint Edward's University. It clears its $102,312 net cost in about 9.8 years versus 10.9 years at Houston Christian University, on median earnings of $58,826 vs $55,933 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Houston Christian University or Saint Edward's University?
Houston Christian University: $20,629/yr net price after aid versus $25,578/yr at Saint Edward's University — a difference of $4,949 a year, or about $19,796 over four years.
Do Houston Christian University or Saint Edward's University graduates earn more?
Saint Edward's University graduates earn a median $58,826 ten years after entry, versus $55,933 at Houston Christian University — a $2,893 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.