Illinois College vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL with Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hardin Simmons University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (1,665 students vs. 942 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois College is located in Jacksonville, IL (Distant Town setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Illinois College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois College 12:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

Illinois College vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois College or HSU? 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 Illinois College than HSU ($17,375 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 4.4% lower than at Illinois College ($11,500 vs. $12,026).
• Illinois College is 17.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than HSU (about $5,716 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.3% higher at Illinois College than at Hardin Simmons University (about $5,716 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College as at Hardin Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois College students is 21.1% larger than aid received by Hardin Simmons University students ($31,609 vs. $26,095).

Illinois College vs. HSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 70 points higher than at Illinois College (1030).
• Incoming Illinois College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at HSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 883/1180; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 19/26; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois College - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Illinois College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at HSU (3.43).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Illinois College (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Illinois College vs. 12.2% at HSU.

Illinois College vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois College and HSU? 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).

• Illinois College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Hardin Simmons University's (47%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Illinois College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than Illinois College graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Illinois College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Illinois College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HSU students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 67%)

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.