Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Hardin-Simmons University logo

Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TX·Private nonprofit·1,275 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

97%
Accept
1,275
Students
$21,031
Net Price
50%
Grad Rate
$48,300
Earnings
10 yr
$13,359
Debt

About This School

Hardin-Simmons University is a private nonprofit institution located in Abilene, Texas with approximately 1,275 undergraduate students enrolled. Hardin-Simmons University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 97%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,031 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, and the typical graduate earns $48,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Hardin–Simmons University (HSU) is a private university in Abilene, Texas, United States. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: with a 97% acceptance rate and relatively low median debt of $13,359, HSU is accessible and affordable, but a 50% graduation rate and 65% freshman retention rate suggest many students who start here don't finish. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, faith-centered Baptist community in West Texas and have a clear plan to stay engaged and on track — but families should ask hard questions about academic support and what's driving that high attrition.

Founded
1891
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Biological Sciences11%
Psychology9%
Education9%
Health Professions8%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Social Sciences3%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Marion Zimmer BradleyDoyle BrunsonDan BlockerFess ParkerStedman GrahamDon CollierRoy Crane

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1064
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile590

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$31,686
Out-of-State Tuition
$31,686
Avg Net Price
$21,031
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants38%
Median debt at graduation$13,359

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
50%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
65%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,359
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,359
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White54%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino26%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,275 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Hardin-Simmons University

2200 Hickory

Abilene, TX 79698-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.