Hardin-Simmons University vs University of Houston-Downtown
Hardin-Simmons University is a private university in Abilene, TX. University of Houston-Downtown is a public university in Houston, TX. Both admit about 90% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $10,542 a year at University of Houston-Downtown after aid, and about $19,555 at Hardin-Simmons University. About 48% of students graduate at Hardin-Simmons University, compared with 33% at University of Houston-Downtown. Ten years after enrolling, Hardin-Simmons University alumni earn a median of about $54,771, against $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Abilene, TX
Houston, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,283
12,555
Acceptance rate
90%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.28–3.78
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1190
940–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,555
$10,542
Full cost / yr
$45,904
$20,749
In-state tuition
$32,960
$7,708
Out-of-state tuition
$32,960
$17,548
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,822
$9,439
$30k - $48k
$15,190
$10,048
$48k - $75k
$17,248
$11,247
$75k - $110k
$18,182
$15,488
Over $110k
$25,639
$19,380
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
33%
Freshman retention
65%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,392
$49,120
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,771
$53,551
Median debt at graduation
$24,711
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
55%
First-generation students
31%
53%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 19
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jul 31
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 University of Houston-Downtown 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 University of Houston-Downtown?
- University of Houston-Downtown is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,542 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 University of Houston-Downtown?
- Before aid, University of Houston-Downtown costs about $20,749 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 University of Houston-Downtown?
- University of Houston-Downtown. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,439 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 University of Houston-Downtown?
- University of Houston-Downtown is the larger of the two, with about 12,555 undergraduates against 1,283 at Hardin-Simmons University.
- Does Hardin-Simmons University or University of Houston-Downtown have a better graduation rate?
- Hardin-Simmons University has the higher graduation rate, at about 48% against 33% at University of Houston-Downtown.
- Do graduates of Hardin-Simmons University or University of Houston-Downtown earn more?
- Hardin-Simmons University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,771 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Hardin-Simmons University and University of Houston-Downtown require SAT or ACT scores?
- Hardin-Simmons University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Houston-Downtown is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Hardin-Simmons University and University of Houston-Downtown look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1190 at Hardin-Simmons University and 940–1110 at University of Houston-Downtown. 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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