HSU vs. SFASU

Comparable Facts

Compare Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX with Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stephen F Austin State University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (10,472 students vs. 1,665 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hardin Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Stephen F Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, TX (Rural Fringe setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephen F Austin State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; Stephen F Austin State University 16:1.

HSU vs. SFASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or SFASU? 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 Stephen F Austin State University than HSU ($14,959 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 12.5% lower than at Stephen F Austin State University ($11,500 vs. $13,144).
• Hardin Simmons University is 196.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than SFASU (about $21,832 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $11,128.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.7% higher at HSU than at Stephen F Austin State University (about $9,534 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $23,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Stephen F Austin State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 144% larger than aid received by Stephen F Austin State University students ($26,095 vs. $10,694).

HSU vs. SFASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HSU or SFASU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SFASU and HSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 30 points higher than at SFASU (1070).
• Incoming HSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 21 at SFASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; Stephen F Austin State University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; Stephen F Austin State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; SFASU - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman HSU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at SFASU (3.26).
• SFASU has a higher acceptance rate (94%) than HSU (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 17.1% at SFASU.

HSU vs. SFASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and SFASU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Hardin Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Stephen F Austin State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than SFASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stephen F Austin State University graduates have a $989 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, SFASU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SFASU students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 52%)

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.