HSU vs. TSU

Comparable Facts

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

Texas Southern University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (8,704 students vs. 1,665 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hardin Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Texas Southern University is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; Texas Southern University 19:1.

HSU vs. TSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or TSU? 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 Texas Southern University than HSU ($13,584 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 10.2% lower than at Texas Southern University ($11,500 vs. $12,800).
• Hardin Simmons University is 259.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than TSU (about $23,787 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $9,173.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at HSU than at Texas Southern University (about $11,487 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $21,473.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Texas Southern University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 165.7% larger than aid received by Texas Southern University students ($26,095 vs. $9,823).

HSU vs. TSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 200 points higher than at TSU (900).
• Incoming HSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 17 at TSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; Texas Southern University 800/1000.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; Texas Southern University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; TSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman HSU students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at TSU (3.0).
• TSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than HSU (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 17.9% at TSU.

HSU vs. TSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and TSU? 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 Texas Southern University's (12%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than TSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $3,369 lower median loan debt than TSU graduates ($25,989 vs. $29,358).
• Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TSU graduates ($268 vs. $303).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TSU students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 22%)

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.