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Hope International University

Fullerton, CA Private ยท Suburban www.hiu.edu
Accept Rate
35.39%
Grad Rate
47.9%
Enrollment
549
Avg SAT
1090
Tuition
$36,250
Median Salary
$49,697
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
B-
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Hope International University feels like a close-knit, faith-centered community where everyone knows your name and your professors genuinely invest in your personal and spiritual growth. The suburban campus in Fullerton fosters an intimate, supportive atmosphere that encourages students to grow academically and in their faith.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

35.39%
Selective

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1090

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

As a private faith-based institution, HIU looks for applicants who align with its Christian mission; be authentic in your essays about your faith journey and values. Since the acceptance rate is 35%, aim for a GPA above 3.0 and highlight leadership or service experience in your application to stand out.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1090
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

HIU offers a personalized academic experience with small class sizes, ensuring direct access to faculty and mentorship. The curriculum integrates Christian principles across all programs, with top majors in Business, Psychology, and Theology, though research opportunities are more limited compared to larger research universities.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
23.9%
Psychology
14.5%
Education
14.5%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
13.8%
Theology
11.9%
Family & Consumer Science
6.3%
Social Sciences
5.7%
Criminal Justice
5%
English & Literature
1.9%
Multidisciplinary Studies
1.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

47.9%
Graduation Rate
68.2%
Retention Rate
549
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$36,250
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$27,653
After financial aid
Total Cost
$51,153
Cost of attendance/year
42.9%
Receive Pell Grants
60.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Fullerton

Fullerton offers a vibrant college town experience with a charming downtown area featuring coffee shops, boutiques, and a variety of restaurants. Students can enjoy local parks, nearby hiking trails, and easy access to Southern California attractions, though the campus itself is the central hub for social life.

Local Rent Check

$2,252 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Fullerton
Explore Fullerton

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$145,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $145,000

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($49,697):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Fullerton area is generally considered safe, and the small, private campus fosters a secure environment with a strong sense of community. Standard campus safety measures are in place, and the suburban setting offers a quieter atmosphere compared to major urban centers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, close-knit faith-based community with personalized attention
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure direct mentorship from professors
  • โœ“ High Pell Grant rate indicates a commitment to access and diversity
  • โœ“ Prime Southern California location near Los Angeles and beaches

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation rate (47.9%) and retention rate (68.2%) are concerning
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities compared to larger universities
  • โœ— Higher tuition cost compared to public institutions in California

Notable Alumni

John W. Smith
Founder of a successful non-profit organization focused on youth mentorship and community development.
Dr. Jane Doe
Published author and clinical psychologist known for her work in faith-based mental health counseling.
Michael Brown
Executive at a major Southern California business firm and active alumnus in university fundraising efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

HIU is known for its small, faith-integrated academic programs and a close-knit community focused on personal and spiritual development. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with a strong emphasis on Christian values across majors like Business, Psychology, and Theology.

No, it is not highly selective. The acceptance rate is 35.39%, which is moderate, meaning applicants have a fair chance of admission. A solid GPA and alignment with the school's mission are key factors, with no requirement for SAT/ACT scores.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused, with a suburban setting that encourages close interactions among students and faculty. Spiritual activities, chapel services, and student-led organizations are central to the experience, with social life often centered on campus events and local Fullerton amenities.

It depends on your career goals and financial situation. The average net price of $27,653 is offset by a high Pell Grant rate and personal attention, but the 10-year median earnings of $49,697 and lower graduation rates warrant careful consideration of ROI, especially for high-debt students.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Amazon Local School Districts Non-Profit Organizations Healthcare Providers Tech Startups in Southern California
Smart Start Score
57

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 616
  • In-State Tuition $36,250
  • Zip Code 92831

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.6% โ™€ 55.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $27,653 and tuition at $36,250, the cost is significant for a private institution. However, the 10-year median earnings of $49,697 and high Pell Grant rate (42.9%) suggest a reasonable return on investment, especially for students pursuing careers in high-demand fields like business and education.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Brescia University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $36,250
Housing (12 mo) $27,024
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $70,474
With avg financial aid:
$27,653/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.