“A historic HBCU in East Texas nurturing faith, scholarship, and community leadership since 1912.”
Jarvis Christian University, founded in 1912 and affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is a Historically Black University set on an expansive 1,000-acre campus in Hawkins, Texas. The institution holds the singular distinction of being the only historically Black college remaining among the twelve originally founded by the Disciples of Christ Church. Its origins trace to the generosity of James and Ida Van Zandt Jarvis, who donated 456 acres of East Texas land to establish a school for Black youth, with formal instruction beginning on January 13, 1913. Renamed Jarvis Christian University in 2022 upon launching graduate programs, JCU today serves approximately 730 undergraduate students in a close-knit residential community with a mission grounded in Christian faith, academic rigor, and social responsibility. Jarvis Christian University offers more than 20 undergraduate majors spanning business administration, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, kinesiology, nursing, computer information systems, cybersecurity, mass communications, mathematics, social work, music, and education. At the graduate level, JCU offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice and an online MBA. The Barbara Charline Jordan Honors Program provides advanced intellectual enrichment for high-achieving students, and visiting Fulbright faculty teach Arabic and Kiswahili, offering unique language and international cultural experiences rarely available at institutions of this size. The JCU campus experience reflects the warmth and community of HBCU tradition: Greek organizations, gospel choir, concert and jazz bands, student government, and a vibrant social calendar anchor campus life. The rural Piney Woods setting of East Texas provides a peaceful, focused environment for academic study, while Tyler and Longview (both within an hour) offer additional resources, entertainment, and internship opportunities. With 92% of students receiving financial aid and an average aid package of $17,784, JCU maintains a strong commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible to all.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Regional Colleges West
US News 2026
Test Required — All applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores.
Official SourceRolling Admission
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; apply early for best scholarship consideration
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$11,720
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Business administration, accounting, and marketing programs.
Biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer information systems, and cybersecurity.
Criminal justice, history, psychology, social work, mass communications, and religion.
Teacher education and kinesiology programs.
Music performance and music education programs.
4 years
One of JCU's most popular programs, combining exercise science, coaching, and health promotion with hands-on practicum.
2 years
Fully online graduate program for working professionals seeking advanced credentials in criminal justice.
2 years
Fully online MBA providing flexible graduate business education for professionals and recent graduates.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $11,720
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
