About Hardin-Simmons University
Hardin-Simmons University brings Baptist values to higher education with 1,275 students on a midsize city campus in Abilene. The Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in 18 NCAA Division III sports, building community around both faith and athletics. With an 88% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1104, the university welcomes students seeking a Christian education in West Texas.
Students pay an average net price of $21,031 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $43,380. Graduates earn a median of $54,771 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,711 manageable with monthly payments of $262. Nearly 95% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community rooted in the state's culture.
The 49% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges common to smaller private universities, but the 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention. With 512 total athletes out of 1,275 students, sports play a major role in campus life despite offering no athletic scholarships at the Division III level. The 65% retention rate suggests some students struggle to find their fit, but those who stay often benefit from the close relationships possible at a faith-centered institution.
Students pay an average net price of $21,031 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $43,380. Graduates earn a median of $54,771 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,711 manageable with monthly payments of $262. Nearly 95% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community rooted in the state's culture.
The 49% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges common to smaller private universities, but the 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention. With 512 total athletes out of 1,275 students, sports play a major role in campus life despite offering no athletic scholarships at the Division III level. The 65% retention rate suggests some students struggle to find their fit, but those who stay often benefit from the close relationships possible at a faith-centered institution.
Academics & Faculty
Hardin-Simmons integrates faith with learning as a Baptist university offering both traditional liberal arts and professional programs. The school is particularly known for its strong nursing, education, and business programs, along with a respected music conservatory. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and professors know students by name. However, the 49.60% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, despite the personalized attention. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and internship opportunities, especially for pre-health students preparing for medical and pharmacy schools. Faculty members often serve as mentors who help students connect their academic work with their Christian faith and career goals.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.6%
- Retention Rate
- 65.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,771
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $77,715 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,821 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,644 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,025 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,025 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $41,007 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,424 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,701 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
This small Baptist university sits in the heart of West Texas, about 150 miles west of Dallas-Fort Worth. With just 1,275 students, you'll recognize faces across campus within your first semester. The housing capacity of 1,180 means nearly every student can live on campus if they choose, creating a tight-knit residential community centered around faith and academics.
Abilene's high desert climate means you'll need both sunscreen and a winter coat - summers regularly hit 100 degrees while winter nights can drop below freezing. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio translates to professors who know your name and notice when you're absent. With 94.93% of students from Texas, weekends often revolve around Cowboys and Cowgirls athletics, chapel services, and the strong Greek life tradition. The American Southwest Conference competition brings the campus together, especially for football games. Students describe a culture where Christian values shape both academic discussions and social activities, from mission trips to campus ministry events.
Abilene's high desert climate means you'll need both sunscreen and a winter coat - summers regularly hit 100 degrees while winter nights can drop below freezing. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio translates to professors who know your name and notice when you're absent. With 94.93% of students from Texas, weekends often revolve around Cowboys and Cowgirls athletics, chapel services, and the strong Greek life tradition. The American Southwest Conference competition brings the campus together, especially for football games. Students describe a culture where Christian values shape both academic discussions and social activities, from mission trips to campus ministry events.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,180 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–58°F
- July Avg
- 73°–96°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 25.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.7"
Student Demographics
This Baptist university draws overwhelmingly from Texas, with 95% of students calling the Lone Star State home. The student body reflects the changing demographics of Texas itself, with significant Hispanic representation alongside a white majority. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing Hardin-Simmons' commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working-class families. The even gender split spans across the university's programs, from traditional liberal arts to professional tracks. Students tend to come from smaller Texas communities, drawn by the personal attention and faith-centered environment.
- Men
- 49.1%
- Women
- 50.9%
- White
- 54.3%
- Black
- 10.7%
- Hispanic
- 26.4%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 94.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.4%
Location
Abilene sits about 180 miles west of Dallas-Fort Worth in the heart of West Texas. The city of 125,000 residents serves as a regional center for the surrounding ranch and oil country. Hardin-Simmons shares Abilene with two other universities, creating a genuine college town atmosphere in this prairie setting. The campus sits on 220 acres near downtown, surrounded by the rolling hills and wide skies that define the Texas landscape. With 94.93% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with the West Texas culture of ranching, oil, and small-town values. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Hardin-Simmons with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Abilene, Texas 79698-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,771
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,061
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $262/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,711
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Hardin-Simmons University?
Hardin-Simmons University accepts 88.25% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1104, reflecting the Baptist university's welcoming approach to students from diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Hardin-Simmons University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,031 after financial aid, less than the $43,380 total cost of attendance. The university provides institutional grants averaging $22,695 to 30.43% of students, helping make this Christian education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Hardin-Simmons University?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 with total enrollment of 1,275 students. This small Baptist university in Abilene emphasizes personal attention and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
Does Hardin-Simmons University have good job placement rates?
Graduates achieve a 97.1% employment rate and earn a median salary of $54,771 ten years after graduation. The 49.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, but those who complete their degrees find strong career prospects.
Where do most Hardin-Simmons University students come from?
An overwhelming 94.93% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community with shared regional roots. The student body is 54.27% White, 26.35% Hispanic, and 10.67% Black, reflecting the changing demographics of West Texas.
What athletic opportunities does Hardin-Simmons University offer?
The Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in NCAA Division III with 18 varsity sports and 512 total athletes. As a Division III school, Hardin-Simmons offers $0 in athletic scholarships but emphasizes the student-athlete experience and academic achievement.
