PUC vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA 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 PUC based on total student enrollment (1,665 students vs. 974 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Union College is located in Angwin, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Pacific Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pacific Union College 12:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

PUC vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PUC 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 PUC ($19,811 vs. $22,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Union College are 14.6% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($9,816 vs. $11,500).
• Pacific Union College is 12.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than HSU (about $4,213 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.8% higher at PUC than at Hardin Simmons University (about $4,213 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Union College as at Hardin Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Union College students is 2% larger than aid received by Hardin Simmons University students ($26,629 vs. $26,095).

PUC vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PUC 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 PUC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 40 points higher than at PUC (1060).
• Incoming PUC 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: Pacific Union College 930/1190; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 20/24; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PUC - Test-free; HSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at PUC (3.24).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than PUC (47.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14% at PUC vs. 12.2% at HSU.

PUC vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PUC 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).

• Hardin Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Pacific Union College's (45%).
• Graduates from Pacific Union College earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,200 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $4,011 lower median loan debt than PUC graduates ($25,989 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PUC graduates ($268 vs. $310).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PUC students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 57%)

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.