HSU vs. UH

Comparable Facts

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

University of Houston is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (47,980 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hardin Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); University of Houston is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Houston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; University of Houston 22:1.

HSU vs. UH Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or UH? 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 University of Houston than HSU ($14,309 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Houston are 1.9% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($11,286 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 239.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UH (about $23,243 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $9,717.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.2% higher at HSU than at University of Houston (about $10,413 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $22,547.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at University of Houston (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 114.6% larger than aid received by University of Houston students ($26,095 vs. $12,159).

HSU vs. UH Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Houston (1250) is 150 points higher than at HSU (1100).
• Incoming UH students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at HSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; University of Houston 1160/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; University of Houston 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; UH - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UH May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UH students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at HSU (3.43).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than UH (73.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 26.5% at UH.

HSU vs. UH Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and UH? 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 University of Houston's (46%).
• Graduates from University of Houston earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston graduates have a $6,239 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, UH 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 UH students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 61%)

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.