HSU vs. UHCL

Comparable Facts

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

University of Houston Clear Lake is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (8,137 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 Clear Lake is in Houston, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Houston Clear Lake is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; University of Houston Clear Lake 15:1.

HSU vs. UHCL Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or UHCL? 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 Clear Lake than HSU ($14,059 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 9% lower than at University of Houston Clear Lake ($11,500 vs. $12,642).
• Hardin Simmons University is 324.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UHCL (about $25,190 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $7,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.1% higher at HSU than at University of Houston Clear Lake (about $11,846 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $21,114.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at University of Houston Clear Lake (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 106.6% larger than aid received by University of Houston Clear Lake students ($26,095 vs. $12,630).

HSU vs. UHCL Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 40 points higher than at UHCL (1060).
• Incoming HSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at UHCL (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; University of Houston Clear Lake 970/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; University of Houston Clear Lake 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; UHCL - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UHCL Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at UHCL (3.39).
• UHCL has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than HSU (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 22.2% at UHCL.

HSU vs. UHCL Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and UHCL? 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).

• Graduates from University of Houston Clear Lake earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston Clear Lake graduates have a $8,839 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($17,150 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, UHCL graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($177 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UHCL 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.