HSU vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

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

Tarleton State University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

HSU vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University than HSU ($16,159 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tarleton State University are 5% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($10,920 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 297% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $24,658 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.7% higher at HSU than at Tarleton State University (about $14,818 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $18,142.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Tarleton State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 229.1% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($26,095 vs. $7,929).

HSU vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 30 points higher than at Tarleton (1070).
• Incoming HSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Tarleton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; Tarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at Tarleton (3.21).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Tarleton (89.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

HSU vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Tarleton graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $6,239 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($204 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tarleton 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.