HSU vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

Compare Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX with Lamar University in Beaumont, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lamar University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hardin Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; Lamar University 20:1.

HSU vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or Lamar University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lamar University than HSU ($9,814 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 9% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($10,464 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 270.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lamar University (about $24,055 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $8,905.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.8% higher at HSU than at Lamar University (about $14,215 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Lamar University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 112.8% larger than aid received by Lamar University students ($26,095 vs. $12,263).

HSU vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HSU or Lamar University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lamar University and HSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 60 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming HSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Lamar University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at Lamar University (3.4).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

HSU vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and Lamar University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Hardin Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lamar University graduates have a $3,989 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Lamar University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($227 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 42%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.