What is the acceptance rate at Hardin-Simmons University?

Hardin-Simmons University's acceptance rate is approximately 90% (Abilene, TX), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.

What SAT score do you need for Hardin-Simmons University?

Admitted students at Hardin-Simmons University typically score 1010–1190 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

How much does Hardin-Simmons University cost?

At Hardin-Simmons University, the average net price (after aid) is about $19,555 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.

How many undergraduates attend Hardin-Simmons University?

Hardin-Simmons University enrolls approximately 1,283 undergraduate students.

Where is Hardin-Simmons University located?

Hardin-Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX.

Hardin-Simmons University: Acceptance Rate, SAT & Cost — QuantAdmit

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Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TXprivate nonprofithsutx.edu

Acceptance

90%

SAT 25–75

1010–1190

Avg net price

$19,555

Earnings (10 yr)

$54,771

Graduation rate

46%

Admit rate has ranged 84%–97% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.

Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is a Baptist-affiliated liberal arts university in Abilene, Texas, where faith and academics intertwine with a distinctly Texan flavor. Known for its welcoming admissions (90%+ acceptance rate) and strong programs in nursing, business, and education, HSU blends Christian community with practical career preparation. Its 'Cowboy Spirit' ethos—emphasizing purpose, service, and tight-knit camaraderie—shapes a student experience that’s equal parts devotional and down-to-earth.

Admission requirements

Test-optional — scores considered if submitted

Required

High school transcript
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)

Considered (not required)

Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Demonstrated competencies

Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.

More details

Undergrad enrollment: 1,283
In-state tuition: $32,960
Out-of-state tuition: $32,960
Location: Abilene, TX
Acceptance Rate: 83.8–96.5%
Notable Programs: Nursing, Business, Education
6-Year Graduation Rate: 50%
Forbes Financial Grade: A (top 11%)
Students Receiving Aid: 68%

Outcomes & value

Median earnings (10 yr): $54,771
Value (earnings ÷ net price): 2.8×
Median debt at graduation: $24,711
Graduation rate: 46%
First-year retention: 65%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr): 64%
Pell (lower-income) share: 57%
First-generation share: 31%
Endowment / student: $173,038

Financial health

3.0 / 3.0Meets the federal financial-responsibility standard

U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.

Top-earning majors

Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$66,821
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$41,025
Accounting and Related Services$41,025
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$38,289
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$37,424

Campus & location

Campus safety

On-campus violent crimes (2024): 3
Per 1,000 students: 2.34

On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.

Climate

Pleasant days / yr: 101
Summer high: 96°F
Winter low: 38°F
Annual rain: 20.7"
Annual snow: 3.3"
Natural-hazard risk: Relatively Moderate

Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.

Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility

Research output

Institutional h-index: 48
Scholarly works: 375

Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.

Economic mobility

Mobility rate: 1.4%
Bottom → top quintile: 23%
From bottom quintile: 6%

Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.

Quick answers

What is the acceptance rate at Hardin-Simmons University?: Hardin-Simmons University's acceptance rate is approximately 90% (Abilene, TX), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Hardin-Simmons University?: Admitted students at Hardin-Simmons University typically score 1010–1190 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Hardin-Simmons University cost?: At Hardin-Simmons University, the average net price (after aid) is about $19,555 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Hardin-Simmons University?: Hardin-Simmons University enrolls approximately 1,283 undergraduate students.
Where is Hardin-Simmons University located?: Hardin-Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX.

Admissions

Hardin-Simmons is decidedly non-selective, with ranging from 83.8% to 96.5% depending on the year. The university admits students based on modest academic benchmarks: a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT or a top-half high school class rank. policies aren’t mentioned, but the bar is low enough that most applicants clear it—College Raptor notes the typical admitted student has scores between 19-25 (ACT) or 1010-1210 (SAT). Niche characterizes admissions as 'somewhat selective,' but the numbers suggest it’s more accurately described as accessible, with nearly all applicants admitted.