Shorter vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Shorter University in Rome, GA 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 Shorter based on total student enrollment (1,665 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

Shorter vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter 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 Shorter University than HSU ($16,821 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 13.7% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($9,920 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 33.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shorter (about $8,330 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.8% higher at HSU than at Shorter University (about $8,330 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University as at Hardin Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 38.3% larger than aid received by Shorter University students ($26,095 vs. $18,862).

Shorter vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shorter 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 Shorter.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 20 points higher than at HSU (1100).
• Incoming HSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Shorter).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 1040/1200; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at Shorter (3.25).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than HSU (90%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 12.2% at HSU.

Shorter vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter 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).

• The graduation rate at Shorter is the same as at Hardin Simmons University (47% vs. 47%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $2,429 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($25,989 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($268 vs. $293).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 38%)

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.