HSU vs. University of Houston-Downtown

Comparable Facts

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

University of Houston Downtown is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (13,730 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 Downtown is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Houston Downtown is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; University of Houston Downtown 18:1.

HSU vs. University of Houston-Downtown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HSU or University of Houston-Downtown? 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 Downtown than HSU ($10,832 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Houston Downtown are 11.5% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($10,176 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 327.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Houston-Downtown (about $25,252 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $7,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.8% higher at HSU than at University of Houston Downtown (about $15,412 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $17,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at University of Houston Downtown (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 154.4% larger than aid received by University of Houston Downtown students ($26,095 vs. $10,257).

HSU vs. University of Houston-Downtown Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HSU or University of Houston-Downtown? 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 University of Houston-Downtown and HSU.

• University of Houston Downtown reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 70 points higher than at University of Houston-Downtown (1030).
• Incoming HSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at University of Houston-Downtown).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190; University of Houston Downtown 940/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hardin Simmons University 19/26; University of Houston Downtown 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HSU - Test optional; University of Houston-Downtown - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Houston-Downtown Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at University of Houston-Downtown (3.29).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than University of Houston-Downtown (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 20% at University of Houston-Downtown.

HSU vs. University of Houston-Downtown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HSU and University of Houston-Downtown? 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 Downtown's (15%).
• Graduates from University of Houston Downtown earn a median of about $800 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston Downtown graduates have a $7,239 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($18,750 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, University of Houston-Downtown graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($193 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Houston-Downtown students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 41%)

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.