Hardin-Simmons University vs Sam Houston State University
Hardin-Simmons University is a private university in Abilene, TX, and Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, TX. Both admit about 90% of applicants. Sam Houston State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,404 a year against $19,555 at Hardin-Simmons University. About 55% of students graduate at Sam Houston State University, compared with 48% at Hardin-Simmons University. Ten years after enrolling, Hardin-Simmons University alumni earn a median of about $54,771, against $54,211 for Sam Houston State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Abilene, TX
Huntsville, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,283
17,743
Acceptance rate
90%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.28–3.78
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1190
930–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
17–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,555
$16,404
Full cost / yr
$45,904
$25,505
In-state tuition
$32,960
$9,228
Out-of-state tuition
$32,960
$19,068
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,822
$12,474
$30k - $48k
$15,190
$13,389
$48k - $75k
$17,248
$15,540
$75k - $110k
$18,182
$21,366
Over $110k
$25,639
$24,101
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
55%
Freshman retention
65%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,392
$45,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,771
$54,211
Median debt at graduation
$24,711
$21,983
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
41%
First-generation students
31%
41%
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 19
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
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.
- Is Hardin-Simmons University or Sam Houston State University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 90% of applicants. 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 Sam Houston State University?
- Sam Houston State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,404 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,555 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Hardin-Simmons University and Sam Houston State University?
- Before aid, Sam Houston State University costs about $25,505 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 Sam Houston State University?
- Sam Houston State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,474 there, against about $13,822 at Hardin-Simmons 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 Sam Houston State University?
- Sam Houston State University is the larger of the two, with about 17,743 undergraduates against 1,283 at Hardin-Simmons University.
- Does Hardin-Simmons University or Sam Houston State University have a better graduation rate?
- Sam Houston State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 48% at Hardin-Simmons University.
- Do graduates of Hardin-Simmons University or Sam Houston State University earn more?
- Hardin-Simmons University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,771 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,211 for Sam Houston State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Hardin-Simmons University and Sam Houston State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Hardin-Simmons University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sam Houston State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Hardin-Simmons University and Sam Houston State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1190 at Hardin-Simmons University and 930–1120 at Sam Houston State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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