HSU vs. TLU

Comparable Facts

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

Hardin Simmons University is larger than TLU based on total student enrollment (1,665 students vs. 1,423 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hardin Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Texas Lutheran University is in Seguin, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; Texas Lutheran University 11:1.

HSU vs. TLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or TLU? 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 Hardin Simmons University than TLU ($19,811 vs. $25,119).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 6.9% lower than at Texas Lutheran University ($11,500 vs. $12,350).
• Texas Lutheran University is 9.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than HSU (about $3,270 more per year; $36,230.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at TLU than at Hardin Simmons University (about $3,270 more per year; $36,230.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University as at Texas Lutheran University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 5% larger than aid received by Texas Lutheran University students ($26,095 vs. $24,861).

HSU vs. TLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Texas Lutheran University (1130) is 30 points higher than at HSU (1100).
• Incoming TLU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at HSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; Texas Lutheran University 1030/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; Texas Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; TLU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman TLU students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at HSU (3.43).
• TLU has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than HSU (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 16.8% at TLU.

HSU vs. TLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and TLU? 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).

• Texas Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Hardin Simmons University's (47%).
• Graduates from Texas Lutheran University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than TLU graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TLU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TLU students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 67%)

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.