Brenau University vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA with Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brenau University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (2,436 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

Brenau University vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau University or HSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brenau University than HSU ($19,743 vs. $19,811).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 10.5% lower than at Brenau University ($11,500 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than HSU (about $1,067 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at Brenau University than at Hardin Simmons University (about $1,067 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Brenau University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 0.9% larger than aid received by Hardin Simmons University students ($26,325 vs. $26,095).

Brenau University vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brenau University or HSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between HSU and Brenau University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 30 points higher than at Brenau University (1070).
• Incoming HSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at Brenau University (3.39).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Brenau University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 12.2% at HSU.

Brenau University vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau University and HSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Hardin Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Brenau University's (44%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Brenau University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 48%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.