IWU vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, IN with Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (2,204 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 Hardin Simmons University than IWU ($19,811 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 5.5% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($10,868 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than IWU (about $608 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $32,352.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at HSU than at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (about $608 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $32,352.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion as at Hardin Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 21.9% larger than aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students ($26,095 vs. $21,405).

IWU vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 30 points higher than at IWU (1070).
• Incoming IWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at HSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at HSU (3.43).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than IWU (88.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at IWU vs. 12.2% at HSU.

IWU vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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).

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Hardin Simmons University's (47%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana Wesleyan University Marion graduates have a $1,885 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($24,104 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, IWU graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($249 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 55%)

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.