Hardin-Simmons University
Hardin-Simmons University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Hardin-Simmons University at a Glance
Hardin–Simmons University (HSU) is a private university in Abilene, Texas, United States. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
1891
135 years old
$166M
$165.7 million (2020)
1,765
1,347 undergrad · 418 grad
209 acres
Identity
Is Hardin-Simmons University Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Hardin-Simmons University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,771 — 2% above average — while paying $19,555/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Hardin-Simmons University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Hardin-Simmons University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #66 of 158 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #5 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #66 | Hardin-Simmons University | 33 | $19,555 | $54,771 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Hardin-Simmons University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in TX.
Best Programs at Hardin-Simmons University
The highest-earning program at Hardin-Simmons University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $63,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $31,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Hardin-Simmons University earns $63,800, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $31,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $25,250 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,555/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,800 | $63,800 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,200 | $31,200 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $31,000 | $31,000 | $25,250 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Abilene, TX
- Student Body
- 1,283 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,555
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,771
- Median Student Debt
- $24,711