PC vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC 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 PC based on total student enrollment (1,665 students vs. 1,095 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Presbyterian College is located in Clinton, SC (Distant Town setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Presbyterian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Presbyterian College 11:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

PC vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PC 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 PC ($19,811 vs. $20,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 15.3% lower than at Presbyterian College ($11,500 vs. $13,579).
• Presbyterian College is 36.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than HSU (about $11,950 more per year; $44,910.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.3% higher at PC than at Hardin Simmons University (about $11,950 more per year; $44,910.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Presbyterian College as at Hardin Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Presbyterian College students is 50.8% larger than aid received by Hardin Simmons University students ($39,345 vs. $26,095).

PC vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PC 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 PC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 10 points higher than at PC (1090).
• Incoming PC 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: Presbyterian College 980/1200; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Presbyterian College 21/26; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PC - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PC Sep 21, 2026.
• Accepted freshman PC students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at HSU (3.43).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than PC (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at PC vs. 12.2% at HSU.

PC vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PC 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).

• Presbyterian College's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Hardin Simmons University's (47%).
• Graduates from Presbyterian College earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $119 lower median loan debt than PC graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,108).
• Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PC graduates ($268 vs. $269).
• More PC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HSU students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.