At $21,031/yr net price, Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn $54,771/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,771/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,031 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,771/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,771/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,711 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,534/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,981/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,485/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,982/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,442/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $77,715 | $61,500 |
| 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 | $25,312 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,025 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $41,007 | $22,459 |
| 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 | $25,625 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
49.6% of students at Hardin-Simmons University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Hardin-Simmons University delivers mixed financial returns with concerning graduation rates that undermine the investment for many students. Only half of students finish their degrees, creating significant risk for your tuition dollars.
The rehabilitation and therapeutic professions program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $78,000 annually though requiring $61,500 in debt. Nursing also provides strong returns at $66,821 yearly. These health-focused programs align well with Texas's growing healthcare sector and justify the private school premium.
Business and accounting majors face weaker prospects, with accounting graduates earning just $41,025 despite attending a private institution. Education majors earn the same amount while carrying $25,312 in debt, making this program particularly poor value given Texas teacher salary constraints.
Your biggest financial risk here is the low graduation rate. With only 49.6% of students completing degrees and a concerning 65.33% retention rate, you face real chances of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The $24,711 median debt load becomes dangerous if you don't graduate.
This school works best for students committed to healthcare careers who can handle the academic demands and complete their programs. The nursing and rehabilitation programs offer clear career paths with solid regional job markets. Skip Hardin-Simmons if you're considering business, education, or if you're uncertain about your major and completion likelihood.
At $21,031 net price annually, you're paying private school costs for outcomes that don't consistently justify the premium. Texas public universities often deliver better value for most career paths outside healthcare specialties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hardin-Simmons University worth the cost?
Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn a median of $54,771 ten years after graduation, which barely justifies the $21,031 annual net price for most students. With a 49.6% graduation rate, nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Hardin-Simmons University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates earn $77,715 annually, making it the strongest ROI program at Hardin-Simmons University. Nursing graduates also do well at $66,821, while education and accounting majors earn around $41,025.
How much debt do Hardin-Simmons University students graduate with?
Hardin-Simmons University graduates carry a median debt of $24,711. This debt load is manageable for rehabilitation and nursing graduates but creates financial strain for education and business majors earning in the low $40,000s.
Does Hardin-Simmons University have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary significantly by major at Hardin-Simmons University. Healthcare programs produce strong earners, but the 49.6% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree and face poor employment prospects.