HSU vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX with Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Midwestern State University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (5,324 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hardin Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Midwestern State University is in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; Midwestern State University 18:1.

HSU vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or MSU? 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 Midwestern State University than HSU ($11,215 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midwestern State University are 3.3% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($11,124 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 211.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $22,380 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $10,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163% higher at HSU than at Midwestern State University (about $20,430 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Midwestern State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 136.4% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($26,095 vs. $11,037).

HSU vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HSU or MSU? 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 MSU and HSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 90 points higher than at MSU (1010).
• Incoming HSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; Midwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; MSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at MSU (3.2).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than HSU (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 12.9% at MSU.

HSU vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and MSU? 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 Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $3,690 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($22,299 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($230 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 56%)

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.