HSU vs. Sul Ross State University

Comparable Facts

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

Sul Ross State University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (2,384 students vs. 1,665 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hardin Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Sul Ross State University is in Alpine, TX (Remote Town setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sul Ross State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; Sul Ross State University 11:1.

HSU vs. Sul Ross State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or Sul Ross State 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 Sul Ross State University than HSU ($14,454 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sul Ross State University are 5.3% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($10,892 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 334.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sul Ross State University (about $25,368 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $7,592.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.5% higher at HSU than at Sul Ross State University (about $15,288 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $17,672.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Sul Ross State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 142% larger than aid received by Sul Ross State University students ($26,095 vs. $10,781).

HSU vs. Sul Ross State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HSU or Sul Ross State University? 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 Sul Ross State University and HSU.

• Sul Ross State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 80 points higher than at Sul Ross State University (1020).
• Incoming HSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Sul Ross State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; Sul Ross State University 930/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; Sul Ross State University 15/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; Sul Ross State University - Open admission.
• Enrolled freshman HSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at Sul Ross State University (3.32).
• Sul Ross State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than HSU (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 18.3% at Sul Ross State University.

HSU vs. Sul Ross State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and Sul Ross State University? 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 Sul Ross State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Sul Ross State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sul Ross State University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 43%)

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.