Howard Payne University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

Nelson University is larger than Howard Payne University based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 809 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard Payne University is located in Brownwood, TX (Remote Town setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Howard Payne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard Payne University 10:1; Nelson University 15:1.

Howard Payne University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard Payne University or Nelson 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 Nelson University than Howard Payne University ($22,359 vs. $25,750).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 5.9% lower than at Howard Payne University ($9,598 vs. $10,200).
• Howard Payne University is 39.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $9,918 more per year; $34,982.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.6% higher at Howard Payne University than at Nelson University (about $9,918 more per year; $34,982.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at Howard Payne University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Howard Payne University students is 68.6% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($20,357 vs. $12,075).

Howard Payne University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Howard Payne University (1020) is 30 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard Payne University 880/1160; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard Payne University 16/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard Payne University - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Howard Payne University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Howard Payne University (67.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27% at Howard Payne University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

Howard Payne University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard Payne University and Nelson 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 Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Howard Payne University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Howard Payne University graduates have a $564 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($25,686 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Howard Payne University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($265 vs. $271).
• More Howard Payne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 50%)

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.