Acceptance Rate
90%
Avg. SAT
1190
75th percentile
“A close-knit Baptist university in Abilene, Texas, blending faith, academics, and cowboy spirit.”
Abilene, TX
Location
Hardin-Simmons University, founded in 1891, sits in the heart of Abilene, Texas, as a private Baptist institution with a deep-rooted commitment to Christian values. Its history began with a mission to educate young men and women in a faith-centered environment, and that legacy still shapes campus life today. With just over 1,500 undergraduate students, HSU offers an intimate setting where personal connections with peers and professors come naturally. You’ll find a community that values spiritual growth alongside academic pursuits, often weaving prayer and service into daily routines.
This university attracts students who seek a smaller, faith-based education and are comfortable with a conservative, religious atmosphere. If you thrive in tight-knit groups and appreciate a campus where chapel services and Bible study are common, HSU could feel like home. However, if you’re looking for a secular or highly diverse environment, or prefer the energy of a larger school, the university’s focused identity and modest size might not suit you.
Abilene, a city of about 125,000, offers a slower pace with a strong sense of local pride, often tied to its ranching and oil history. It’s not a bustling urban hub, so entertainment and cultural options can feel limited compared to bigger Texas cities like Dallas or Austin. On the flip side, the cost of living is reasonable, and the wide-open West Texas landscape brings a certain rugged charm that resonates with students who love the outdoors or small-town vibes.
Photo Gallery
+16
+8
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
Test-optional schools still weigh strong scores. Submitting can help.
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Hardin-Simmons University shines in programs that balance practical skills with a faith-based perspective, particularly in areas like nursing, education, and ministry. The School of Nursing is a standout, known for preparing students with hands-on clinical experience in a region where healthcare professionals are in high demand. Business and music programs also carry weight, with the latter benefiting from a strong tradition of choral and instrumental performance tied to the university’s Baptist heritage. You can expect smaller class sizes in most cases, fostering direct interaction with professors who often double as mentors.
The academic culture here leans toward supportive rather than cutthroat, with an emphasis on personal growth over intense competition. Research opportunities exist, especially in sciences and health fields, though they’re not as expansive as at larger universities. One tradeoff is that the range of majors is narrower, so if you’re undecided or interested in niche fields, you might find the options limited. Additionally, while the open admissions policy—reflected in a high acceptance rate—welcomes a broad range of students, it can mean varied academic preparation among your peers, sometimes affecting the pace of coursework.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,291 undergrad • 374 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
56%
Black / African American
10%
Hispanic / Latino
25%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
7%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Hardin-Simmons revolves around community, faith, and a distinct Western flair. You’ll notice the cowboy culture right away, from events like the annual Cowboy Band performances to casual nods to rodeo and ranching in student activities. Traditions run deep, with chapel services bringing students together weekly and homecoming events sparking school spirit through parades and games. Social life often centers on campus organizations, many of which have a religious or service focus, though there’s also space for Greek life and athletic events to build connections.
Living in Abilene means dealing with hot, dry summers and occasional harsh winds, which can make outdoor activities a challenge at times. Off-campus entertainment isn’t abundant, so much of your social world will likely stay within HSU’s borders, which can feel cozy or confining depending on your personality. Housing is generally available on campus, with a push for students to live in dorms during their early years, fostering a close community but sometimes limiting privacy or independence. The social scene isn’t heavily focused on parties; instead, it’s more about shared values and group activities, which might not appeal if you’re seeking a lively nightlife.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
American Southwest Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$18,935
$30K – $48K
$19,856
$48K – $75K
$20,632
$75K – $110K
$24,408
$110K+
$28,192
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
65%
4 Years Graduation Rate
45%
6 Years Graduation Rate
53%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$54,771
65% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Hardin-Simmons University and return in the fall. 45% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 53% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
45%
4-5 years
8%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
46%
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.
Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$30,694
Acceptance
90%
Undergrads
1,291
4-Year Grad Rate
45%
Endowment
$184M
Abilene, TX 79698-0001
Explore More