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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, Texas · lcu.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

73.1%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$28,540

$38,640 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

1,313

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

34.1%

4-year; 6-year rate 48.8%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Lubbock Christian University (LCU) is a private Christian university located in Lubbock, Texas. Established in 1957, LCU is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and aims to provide a high-quality education grounded in faith and Christian values. The university's mission is to prepare students for lives of service and leadership, emphasizing academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service. The campus is characterized by a vibrant and supportive community, where students are encouraged to engage in their studies while also participating in various extracurricular activities that foster personal and spiritual development.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including disciplines in business, education, nursing, and ministry, among others. The faculty at LCU is known for its dedication to teaching and mentoring students, ensuring that they receive personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey. With a strong emphasis on student life, Lubbock Christian University provides numerous opportunities for involvement, including athletics, student organizations, and community service projects. The university's commitment to fostering a holistic educational experience prepares graduates not only for successful careers but also for meaningful contributions to society. The LCU community is proud of its alumni, who have made significant impacts in various fields, reflecting the university's mission to inspire future leaders.

Analysis of Key Trends at Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock Christian University has witnessed significant changes in several key metrics over recent years, notably in tuition fees, student enrollment, and graduation rates. The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has consistently increased, reaching $26,300 in 2023 from $18,740 in 2014, marking an increase of approximately 40.2%. This rise in tuition can raise concerns regarding affordability and may impact enrollment figures.

The total student population has seen a downward trend, particularly among undergraduate students, which dropped from 1,640 in 2013 to 1,346 in 2023. This decline raises questions about the university's attractiveness to prospective students, potentially driven by rising tuition costs and changing demographic trends.

Graduation rates show variability, with the on-time graduation rate fluctuating around 30% in recent years. In 2023, the rate was approximately 30.7%, suggesting that while there have been efforts to improve retention and support for students, challenges remain.

Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, hovering around 12 to 14 students per faculty member. This consistency indicates a commitment to maintaining a favorable learning environment, which is crucial for enhancing student success.

Overall, while Lubbock Christian University has maintained a steady educational framework, the increase in tuition combined with a decline in enrollment and variable graduation rates may necessitate strategic adjustments to improve competitiveness and student retention in the future.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Oklahoma City, about 280 mi
Nearest international airport
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 290 mi
Lubbock, Texas
Also known as
LCU
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Churches of Christ
President
Scott McDowell (President)
Phone
8067968800
City
Lubbock, Texas
Address
5601 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407-2099

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
75.7%
Women
71.7%

In 2020: men 89.7%, women 91.2%.

Data insights

Commentary on Admission Trends at Lubbock Christian University

The admission data for Lubbock Christian University reveals several notable trends over the years. The male acceptance rate has varied significantly, starting at approximately 69% in 2009 and peaking at around 97% in 2018. This fluctuation suggests a responsiveness to application volume and possibly shifts in institutional priorities. The female acceptance rate, while generally lower than that of males, has shown a consistent trend of improvement, peaking at around 93% in 2013 and maintaining a high rate in the following years.
Enrollment figures demonstrate a relatively stable number of students accepted, with a peak enrollment of 343 in 2011, while the number of denied applicants has fluctuated, with the lowest denial number recorded in 2013 at just 70 students. This could indicate a strategic shift in admissions policies aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment, especially in 2013, which was a standout year for both acceptance rates.
Interestingly, the number of deferrals has remained relatively high, particularly in years with lower denial rates, suggesting that students may be opting to delay their entry rather than decline their admission. This trend could reflect broader societal factors, such as economic conditions or evolving expectations around college attendance.
Overall, Lubbock Christian University seems to be navigating the complexities of modern admissions effectively, balancing acceptance rates and enrollment numbers while maintaining a focus on inclusivity. As universities across the nation evaluate their admissions processes in light of changing demographics and student needs, these trends provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of higher education.

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 30% submitted SAT, 18% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total950–1190Peer median 1158
ACT composite19–27
SAT Reading
500–610
600700800
SAT Math
450–580
600700800
ACT composite
19–27
253036

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Lubbock Christian University

The admission data from Lubbock Christian University reveals notable trends in standardized test scores and submission rates over the years. From 2007 to 2023, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, peaking at 59% in 2011 and dropping to as low as 26% in 2017. This inconsistency may reflect broader trends in college admissions where students are increasingly opting for test-optional policies, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many institutions to reconsider the weight of standardized testing in their admissions processes.

Looking at the score data, there has been a gradual improvement in the 25th and 75th percentile scores for both SAT and ACT. For instance, the SAT reading scores have shown an upward trend, with the 25th percentile starting around 430 in 2007 and reaching 480 by 2023. The upper quartile scores have similarly shown positive movement, indicating that the overall academic preparedness of incoming students may be improving.

However, the number of test-takers has seen a decline, with the lowest participation recorded in 2017 and 2014. This may suggest that prospective students are either feeling less pressured to submit standardized test scores or are seeking alternatives in their college applications.

In conclusion, while the academic profile of admitted students appears to be improving, the fluctuating participation rates in standardized testing raise questions about the future of these assessments in college admissions and the potential shift towards more holistic evaluations. As educational institutions continue to adapt to changing societal norms, the impact of these trends will be crucial for future admissions strategies.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 7 in 10

1,669 applicants in 2025, 73.1% admitted

1,220 admitted 449 not admitted Yield 25.9%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's31816 international (5.0%)
Master's862 international (2.3%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
36
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
34
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
17
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
15
Psychology, General
15
Elementary Education and Teaching
14
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
13
Social Work
12
Accounting
12
Finance, General
10

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Nursing Administration · Master's27 (0% international)
  • Family Practice Nurse/Nursing · Master's10 (0% international)
  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services · Master's10 (0% international)
  • Counseling Psychology · Master's9 (0% international)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's7 (0% international)
  • Theology/Theological Studies · Master's6 (17% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Lubbock Christian University

The graduation data from Lubbock Christian University for 2023 reveals intriguing trends and highlights the diversity in academic achievements across various fields. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 30 graduates obtaining a bachelor's degree, alongside 2 international students completing the same degree. This emphasis on nursing aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the ongoing global health challenges.

Furthermore, the Master’s program in Nursing Administration produced 32 graduates, including 1 international student. This indicates a strong interest in advanced nursing roles, which is critical as healthcare systems worldwide seek leaders equipped with both clinical and administrative skills. The absence of doctoral graduates in nursing suggests a potential area for growth, as doctoral-level education can enhance leadership and research capabilities within the field.

In contrast, programs such as Psychology and Biology show a modest number of graduates, with 16 and 15 bachelor's degrees awarded respectively, and no master's or doctoral degrees reported. This could reflect a growing trend where students pursue immediate employment after completing their undergraduate studies rather than seeking advanced degrees.

Interestingly, the data indicates a lack of graduates in fields such as Music Teacher Education and Physical Education Teaching, suggesting that these areas may be less prioritized or that student interest may be waning.

Overall, the data provides a snapshot of the academic landscape at Lubbock Christian University, illustrating areas of strength and opportunities for development, particularly in healthcare and advanced education programs. The trends observed here may serve as a valuable reference for future curriculum planning and resource allocation at the university.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 88 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Athletic Training/Trainer.-
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.-
Pre-Pharmacy Studies.-
Pre-Nursing Studies.-
Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies.-
Pre-Physical Therapy Studies.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$86,073-$98,997
Nursing Administration.$86,073-$98,997
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing.$86,073-$98,997
Businesshas 67 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Finance, General.-
Information Resources Management.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Educationhas 58 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.-
Educational Assessment, Testing, and Measurement.-
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities.-
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$46,978
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.$46,978
Secondary Education and Teaching.$46,978
Drama and Dance Teacher Education.-
Psychology has 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.-
Counseling Psychology.$41,398
Parks, recreation, leisure has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.-
Sports Studies.-
Biologyhas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Biochemistry.-
Theology has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Bible/Biblical Studies.-
Missions/Missionary Studies.-
Theology/Theological Studies.-
Youth Ministry.-
Communication has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mass Communication/Media Studies.-
Organizational Communication, General.-
Communication Management and Strategic Communications.-
Homeland security has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Public administrationhas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Social Work.-
Visual and Performing artshas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Digital Arts.-
Design and Visual Communications, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Music, General.-
Agricultural has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.-
Animal Sciences, General.-
Pre-Veterinary Studies.-
Liberal arts has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.-
Human science has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Family Systems.-
English has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Creative Writing.-
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing.-
General Literature.-
Computer and information sciencehas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Social sciencehas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Economics, General.-
History has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.-
Foreign languages has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Applied Linguistics.-
Legal professionshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Pre-Law Studies.-

Students

1,595 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 70.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,313)

White
753 · 57.3%
Hispanic
375 · 28.6%
Black
63 · 4.8%
International
52 · 4.0%
Unknown
32 · 2.4%
Two or more races
16 · 1.2%
Asian
13 · 1.0%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
4.4%
18–19
36.2%
20–21
36.6%
22–24
13.3%
25 and over
9.5%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.8%
22–24
18.8%
25–29
16.3%
30–34
13.8%
35 and over
49.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Lubbock Christian University in 2023

The student body composition at Lubbock Christian University in 2023 reflects a diverse and dynamic community. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 279 students, with females making up a significant 59.1% of this group, indicating a shift toward greater female enrollment in recent years. This trend is echoed among undergraduate juniors, where the female percentage reaches 66.1% among 802 students, suggesting that the institution is effectively attracting and retaining female students.

Undergraduate transfer students present a more balanced gender ratio, with males constituting 47.9% of the 140 students, indicating a potential area for the university to further promote its offerings to male students. Conversely, the graduate student population of 250 shows a stark gender disparity, with only 17.6% being male. This could highlight a broader trend in higher education where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees, possibly due to evolving societal expectations and career aspirations.

In examining the ethnic composition, while detailed data on the various demographics is incomplete, it is important for the university to focus on fostering an inclusive environment that supports students from all backgrounds. The overall gender ratios suggest the necessity for targeted outreach and support programs for underrepresented groups, particularly males in graduate studies and undergraduates.

As universities across the nation strive to create a more equitable educational landscape, Lubbock Christian University appears to be on the right path, yet challenges remain in ensuring all demographics are equally represented and supported in their academic journeys.

Age Demographics at Lubbock Christian University

The age distribution of students at Lubbock Christian University reveals interesting trends in enrollment across different age brackets. Notably, the majority of the student body falls within the 18-21 age range, which is typical for many universities as they attract traditional college-age students. Specifically, 165 undergraduate males and 285 undergraduate females are in the 18-19 age category, making it the largest segment of the population.

As students progress through their educational journey, the numbers show a gradual decline in enrollment among the younger age groups, with a noticeable dip in the 25-29 bracket where only 22 males and 85 females are represented. This might indicate that many students opt to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or pursue other endeavors before returning to education later in life.

The presence of older students, particularly those aged 30-34 and 35-39, suggests a growing trend of non-traditional students who seek further education to advance their careers. This aligns with national trends where adult learners are increasingly enrolling in higher education to enhance their skills in a competitive job market.

Furthermore, the data shows a significant disparity in gender representation, particularly within the younger age groups, with females consistently outnumbering males. This phenomenon is worth noting as it reflects broader societal trends towards increased female participation in higher education.

Overall, Lubbock Christian University's age demographics highlight a vibrant and diverse student body, with a mixture of traditional and non-traditional learners contributing to the academic community.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates4.0%

52 in 2025 · 2.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.1%2017: 1.6%2018: 1.4%2019: 1.6%2020: 2.2%2021: 2.1%2022: 2.6%2023: 1.2%2024: 3.9%2025: 4.0%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students2.8%

8 in 2025 · 3.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.0%2017: 3.6%2018: 1.8%2019: 1.1%2020: 0.7%2021: 1.4%2022: 1.9%2023: 2.8%2024: 1.1%2025: 2.8%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Lubbock Christian University

The data from Lubbock Christian University reveals interesting trends regarding international student enrollment over nearly two decades. The percentage of international undergraduate students has experienced fluctuations, ranging from a low of 0.58% in 2008 to a peak of 2.58% in 2022. This upward trend in recent years suggests a growing appeal of the university to international students, possibly due to enhanced programs, support services, or global outreach initiatives.

In contrast, the graduate program has seen a more pronounced increase in the proportion of international students, especially notable in the years following 2015. The percentage rose from 0.42% in 2014 to an impressive 2.80% in 2023. This significant growth may reflect broader trends in higher education, where graduate programs increasingly attract a diverse student body seeking advanced degrees.

Moreover, the overall number of international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels remains relatively low compared to the total student population. This presents an opportunity for the university to further develop its internationalization strategy, potentially enhancing its global reputation and enriching the campus culture.

The fluctuations in international enrollment could also be linked to external factors, such as immigration policies, global events, or the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted travel and education worldwide. As universities adapt to these changes, Lubbock Christian University appears well-positioned to embrace a more diverse student body, contributing to a richer educational experience for all students.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$38,640

Undergraduate tuition
$28,540
Room and board
$10,100
Graduate tuition
$12,340
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 40% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 43%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$55.1M

Tuition and fees
$19.6M35.7%
Gifts and private grants
$15.9M28.8%
Investment return
$12.5M22.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.0M9.0%
Government grants and contracts
$273K0.5%
Other
$1.8M3.2%

Expenses$37.0M

Instruction
$11.0M29.7%
Student services
$9.6M26.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$4.5M12.2%
Institutional support
$4.2M11.4%
Academic support
$1.8M4.8%
Other
$5.9M16.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$61,298peers $68,006
Professor
$67,346peers $78,041
Associate professor
$59,666peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$57,248peers $63,827
Instructor
$52,122peers $55,171

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Lone Star Conference

Lone Star Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)10595
Soccer3831
Baseball42-
Other Sports-38
Tennis1614
Basketball1514
Softball-22
Golf1110
Volleyball-16
2024
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)10485
Soccer3930
Baseball47-
Tennis1614
Basketball1514
Softball-26
Other Sports-25
Golf119
Volleyball-16
2023
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)9578
Soccer3531
Baseball41-
Basketball1420
Other Sports-28
Softball-26
Tennis1211
Golf108
Volleyball-16

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Lubbock Christian University:

  1. Texas Tech University - Ranked 216 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and law.

  2. Texas Christian University - With a rank of 98, this comprehensive university in Fort Worth offers a vibrant campus life and a variety of academic programs, particularly renowned for its business and health sciences.

  3. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus - Ranked 124, this comprehensive university is well-regarded for its research initiatives and diverse programs, especially in aviation and meteorology.

  4. Southern Methodist University - With a ranking of 89, this comprehensive university in Dallas is known for its emphasis on research and strong business and law programs.

  5. Baylor University - Ranked 93, this comprehensive university in Waco is celebrated for its strong focus on the liberal arts, business, and health-related fields.

  6. Trinity University - This liberal arts college, ranked 59, is located in San Antonio and is recognized for its rigorous academic programs and engaged campus community.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are excellent choices for students considering options in higher education near Lubbock Christian University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
7
Motor vehicle theft
5
Drug arrests
4
Liquor referrals
4
Dating violence
4
Drug referrals
3

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Lubbock Christian University

The crime rates at Lubbock Christian University exhibit notable fluctuations over the past decade. Starting in 2013, the university reported a relatively low crime rate of 1.12 per 1,000 students. However, this rate rose significantly in the following years, peaking at 7.97 per 1,000 students in 2016. This increase may correlate with broader societal trends, such as rising campus crime reported nationally during this period.

In 2017, the crime rate saw a decline to 6.80, before experiencing another dip to 3.05 in 2020, which might reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent campus closures. Interestingly, the university recorded a significant spike in reported crimes in 2023, with a rate of 7.39 per 1,000 students. This resurgence raises questions about the factors contributing to this trend, such as possible changes in reporting practices or the return of students to campus life post-pandemic.

Among the various crime categories, arrests related to drug offenses and alcohol-related incidents have consistently been a concern. It is essential for the university to continue prioritizing student safety through effective prevention programs and support systems, as well as fostering a campus culture that discourages criminal behavior.

Overall, while the university has seen fluctuations in crime rates, the importance of constant vigilance and proactive measures remains paramount in ensuring a safe academic environment for all students. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Lubbock Christian University include Meat Loaf (American rock singer and actor), Randy Velarde (Former MLB infielder, mostly with the Yankees) and John Harris (Former MLB player for the California Angels).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.