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Hardin-Simmons University vs Nelson University

Hardin-Simmons University is a private university in Abilene, TX, and Nelson University is a private university in Waxahachie, TX. Nelson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 90% at Hardin-Simmons University. Hardin-Simmons University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,555 a year against $21,662 at Nelson University. About 48% of students graduate at Hardin-Simmons University, compared with 39% at Nelson University. Ten years after enrolling, Hardin-Simmons University alumni earn a median of about $54,771, against $46,238 for Nelson University.

Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TX · Private

Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Abilene, TX
Waxahachie, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,283
1,479
Acceptance rate
90%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.28–3.78
3.18–3.68
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1190
890–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
17–22
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,555
$21,662
Full cost / yr
$45,904
$34,504
In-state tuition
$32,960
$25,064
Out-of-state tuition
$32,960
$25,064
Application fee
Not reported
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,822
$17,583
$30k - $48k
$15,190
$18,396
$48k - $75k
$17,248
$21,731
$75k - $110k
$18,182
$23,883
Over $110k
$25,639
$25,474
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
39%
Freshman retention
65%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,392
$37,425
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,771
$46,238
Median debt at graduation
$24,711
$24,725
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
48%
First-generation students
31%
38%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 19
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Not reported

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Hardin-Simmons University or Nelson University harder to get into?
Nelson University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 90% at Hardin-Simmons University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Hardin-Simmons University or Nelson University?
Hardin-Simmons University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,555 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,662 at Nelson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Hardin-Simmons University and Nelson University?
Before aid, Nelson University costs about $34,504 a year and Hardin-Simmons University about $45,904. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Hardin-Simmons University or Nelson University?
Hardin-Simmons University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,822 there, against about $17,583 at Nelson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hardin-Simmons University or Nelson University?
Nelson University is the larger of the two, with about 1,479 undergraduates against 1,283 at Hardin-Simmons University.
Does Hardin-Simmons University or Nelson University have a better graduation rate?
Hardin-Simmons University has the higher graduation rate, at about 48% against 39% at Nelson University.
Do graduates of Hardin-Simmons University or Nelson University earn more?
Hardin-Simmons University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,771 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,238 for Nelson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hardin-Simmons University and Nelson University require SAT or ACT scores?
Hardin-Simmons University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Nelson University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Hardin-Simmons University and Nelson University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1190 at Hardin-Simmons University and 890–1090 at Nelson University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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