Howard Payne University vs. McMurry University

Comparable Facts

Compare Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX with McMurry University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McMurry University is larger than Howard Payne University based on total student enrollment (3,175 students vs. 809 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard Payne University is located in Brownwood, TX (Remote Town setting); McMurry University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Howard Payne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McMurry University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard Payne University 10:1; McMurry University 16:1.

Howard Payne University vs. McMurry University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard Payne University or McMurry University? 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 McMurry University than Howard Payne University ($20,723 vs. $25,750).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McMurry University are 3.6% lower than at Howard Payne University ($9,836 vs. $10,200).
• Howard Payne University is 8.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than McMurry University (about $2,642 more per year; $34,982.00 vs. $32,340.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at Howard Payne University than at McMurry University (about $2,642 more per year; $34,982.00 vs. $32,340.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McMurry University than at Howard Payne University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McMurry University students is 13.4% larger than aid received by Howard Payne University students ($23,083 vs. $20,357).

Howard Payne University vs. McMurry University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Howard Payne University or McMurry University? 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 McMurry University and Howard Payne University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McMurry University (1060) is 40 points higher than at Howard Payne University (1020).
• Incoming Howard Payne University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at McMurry University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard Payne University 880/1160; McMurry University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard Payne University 16/27; McMurry University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard Payne University - Test optional; McMurry University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McMurry University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McMurry University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Howard Payne University (3.3).
• Howard Payne University has a higher acceptance rate (67.4%) than McMurry University (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27% at Howard Payne University vs. 12% at McMurry University.

Howard Payne University vs. McMurry University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard Payne University and McMurry University? 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).

• Howard Payne University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than McMurry University's (36%).
• Graduates from McMurry University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Howard Payne University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Howard Payne University graduates have a $1,138 lower median loan debt than McMurry University graduates ($25,686 vs. $26,824).
• Among borrowers, Howard Payne University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McMurry University graduates ($265 vs. $277).
• More Howard Payne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McMurry University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 53%)

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.