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Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR·Public·1,491 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 1,491 students.

82%
Accept
1,491
Students
$16,929
Net Price
38%
Grad Rate
$40,400
Earnings
10 yr
$12,000
Debt

About This School

Henderson State University is a public institution located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas with approximately 1,491 undergraduate students enrolled. Henderson State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 82%. The average net price after financial aid is $16,929 per year. The graduation rate is 38%, and the typical graduate earns $40,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Henderson State University (HSU) is a public university in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, United States. Founded in 1890 as Arkadelphia Methodist College, Henderson has an undergraduate enrollment of around 2,500 students. The campus is located on 156 acres (0.63 km2).

The numbers tell a mixed story here — at $16,929/year average net cost and only $12,000 median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable public university options you'll find, which matters. The concern worth taking seriously is the 38% graduation rate and 59% freshman retention rate, meaning fewer than 4 in 10 students who start here finish, which suggests many students struggle to find their footing or transfer out. Worth considering only if you have a clear plan, a support system, and are drawn to a small-campus environment in rural Arkansas — go in with eyes open.

Founded
1890
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Health Professions16%
Education15%
Business & Marketing13%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Psychology6%
Biological Sciences4%
Communications2%
English2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Billy Bob ThorntonDavid PryorSid McMath

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,885
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,882
Avg Net Price
$16,929
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants48%
Median debt at graduation$12,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
38%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
59%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.4x

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

White59%
Black27%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,491 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Henderson State University

1100 Henderson Street

Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Arkansas

Browse all Arkansas 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

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