About Howard Payne University
Students pay an average net price of $25,255 after financial aid, less than the $44,896 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $48,376 ten years after leaving school. Most students carry $26,793 in debt with monthly payments around $284. The numbers reveal a challenging financial picture for a regional Christian college. Over 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need on campus.
The retention rate of 55% suggests students struggle to stay enrolled. Only 31% graduate within six years, well below national averages. Nearly all students come from Texas, creating a homegrown atmosphere. The employment rate reaches 94.6%, showing graduates find work despite modest earnings. Students seeking close mentorship and Christian community may thrive here, but academic persistence becomes crucial for success.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 31.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.1%
- Retention Rate
- 54.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,376
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $32,563 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $31,042 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $23,649 |
Campus Life
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors recognize when you skip class. Chapel services bring the Baptist-affiliated community together regularly. Yellow Jackets athletics draw crowds despite competing at the Division III level, with 345 student-athletes representing nearly half the student body. Weekend activities center around campus events, local lake recreation, and road trips to bigger cities. The American Southwest Conference provides regional rivalries that energize the small campus. Students often gather at local spots in downtown Brownwood, though entertainment options remain limited in this remote setting.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 701 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–59°F
- July Avg
- 70°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 53.1%
- Women
- 46.9%
- White
- 53.1%
- Black
- 9.9%
- Hispanic
- 27.2%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 97.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 42.2%
Location
- Address
- Brownwood, Texas 76801-2794
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,376
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,238
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $284/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,793
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Howard Payne University?
Howard Payne University accepts 62.29% of applicants, making it moderately selective among Christian liberal arts colleges. The average SAT score is 1025, reflecting the university's commitment to admitting students with solid academic foundations who can thrive in their faith-based learning environment.
How much does Howard Payne University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,255 annually, less than the full tuition of $33,322. The university awards institutional grants averaging $18,817 to 28.07% of students, helping make this Baptist education more affordable for Texas families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Howard Payne University?
Howard Payne maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 716 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention and mentoring relationships that are central to the university's Christian liberal arts mission and strong teacher preparation programs.
What are the graduation outcomes at Howard Payne University?
The six-year graduation rate is 31.10%, which is lower than many four-year institutions, though graduates earn a median salary of $48,376 ten years after enrollment. The university's focus on teacher preparation and Christian service often leads graduates toward mission-oriented careers rather than high-paying fields.
Where is Howard Payne University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Brownwood, Texas, a remote town setting that creates a tight-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 701 students and 97.18% of students coming from Texas, campus life centers around Yellow Jackets athletics and the strong Baptist faith traditions that have shaped the university since 1889.
Does Howard Payne University offer athletic scholarships?
Howard Payne offers no athletic scholarships despite fielding 12 varsity sports teams with 345 total athletes in NCAA Division III competition. The university competes in the American Southwest Conference and emphasizes student-athlete development through academics and Christian character rather than athletic recruitment incentives.
