Overview
Howard Payne University is a less selective private four-year institution in Brownwood, Texas. The school accepts 62.3% of applicants and enrolls 716 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 62.3%
- Average SAT
- 1,025
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 920–1,130
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 21
- Total Enrollment
- 716
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Howard Payne University operates on rolling admissions, so submit your application early in your senior year for the best housing options and scholarship consideration. Your application will receive faster processing and more financial aid opportunities if you apply by December.
Strong applications showcase genuine Christian faith and community service commitment. Write your personal statement about specific ways you plan to integrate your faith with your academic goals at HPU. The admissions committee pays close attention to how you articulate your spiritual journey and future ministry or service plans.
If you're interested in education, highlight any tutoring, coaching, or youth ministry experience in your application. The Teacher Education program connects directly with local school districts for student teaching placements, and many graduates stay in Central Texas after graduation. Business majors benefit from the small class sizes and direct mentorship with faculty who have industry experience.
Submit strong letters of recommendation from pastors, youth ministers, or community leaders who can speak to your character and faith commitment. Academic references should come from teachers who know your work ethic well, since HPU classes are small and professors expect active participation.
Campus culture centers around Chapel services, intramural sports, and close-knit residence hall communities. You'll fit well here if you want professors who know your name and pray for you by the end of your first semester. The student body skews conservative Christian, and social life revolves around campus events rather than off-campus parties.
Don't overlook the music program when writing your essays. HPU has strong vocal and instrumental ensembles that tour nationally, and participation doesn't require a music major. The Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom offers unique opportunities to study American heritage and constitutional principles if those topics interest you.
Your interview matters more here than at larger universities. Schedule one if possible and prepare to discuss your faith journey, career goals, and why you're drawn to a small Christian university specifically. Demonstrate familiarity with HPU's mission and core values in your responses.
Apply for the Honors Program separately if you meet the requirements. Honors students get priority registration, special seminars, and additional scholarship opportunities that can significantly reduce your costs.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $25,255/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $33,322
- Students Receiving Aid
- 42%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.1%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,376/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 54.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Howard Payne University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Howard Payne University accepts both SAT and ACT scores for admission. Students can submit either test score as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Howard Payne University?
Howard Payne University operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. Students are encouraged to apply early for the best consideration for financial aid and housing.
Can I transfer credits to Howard Payne University?
Howard Payne University accepts transfer students and will evaluate credits from regionally accredited institutions. Students should submit official transcripts from all previous colleges for credit evaluation.
What GPA do I need to get into Howard Payne University?
Howard Payne University considers multiple factors in admissions decisions beyond just GPA. Students should have completed a college preparatory curriculum in high school and demonstrate academic readiness for university-level work.