HSU vs. TSU

Hardin Simmons University and Texas Southern University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Hardin Simmons University
Texas Southern University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: HSU (90% admitted vs 96.9%). Typical SAT 1100 vs 900.
  • Cheaper after aid: TSU. Average net price is $13,584 vs $19,811 at HSU.
  • Graduation: HSU 47% vs TSU 12%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: HSU $46,600 vs TSU $36,200 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

Hardin Simmons University Texas Southern University
Acceptance rate
HSU more selective
HSU90%
TSU96.9%
SAT range (middle 50%)
HSU higher
HSU1010-1190
TSU800-1000
Average net price
TSU $6,227 less
HSU$19,811
TSU$13,584
In-state tuition
TSU $23,787 less
HSU$32,960
TSU$9,173
Out-of-state tuition
TSU $11,487 less
HSU$32,960
TSU$21,473
Graduation rate
HSU +35 pts
HSU47%
TSU12%
Median earnings (10 years)
HSU +$10,400
HSU$46,600
TSU$36,200

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at HSU and TSU with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at HSU Check my chances at TSU
  • Applied
  • HSU 3,479
  • TSU 9,391
  • Admitted
  • HSU 3,131
  • TSU 9,101
  • Acceptance rate
  • HSU 90%
  • TSU 96.9%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • HSU 12.2%
  • TSU 17.9%
  • Typical SAT score
  • HSU 1100
  • TSU 900
  • Typical ACT score
  • HSU 22
  • TSU 17
  • Average high school GPA
  • HSU 3.43
  • TSU 3.0
  • Typical high school grades
  • HSU B+
  • TSU B
  • Admissions standards
  • HSU Easy
  • TSU Extremely Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • HSU
  • TSU
  • SAT range
  • HSU 1010-1190
  • TSU 800-1000
  • ACT range
  • HSU 19-26
  • TSU 15-19
  • Submit test scores
  • HSU Test optional
  • TSU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • HSU
  • TSU Jul 15, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • HSU $32,960
  • TSU $9,173
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • HSU $32,960
  • TSU $21,473
  • Room & board
  • HSU $11,500
  • TSU $12,800
  • Average net price
  • HSU $19,811
  • TSU $13,584
  • Average grant aid
  • HSU $26,095
  • TSU $9,823
  • % receiving grant aid
  • HSU 100%
  • TSU 95%
  • Graduation rate
  • HSU 47%
  • TSU 12%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • HSU $46,600
  • TSU $36,200
  • Making student loan payments
  • HSU 67%
  • TSU 22%
  • Median student loan debt
  • HSU $25,989
  • TSU $29,358
  • Median loan payment
  • HSU $268
  • TSU $303
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • HSU 15:1
  • TSU 19:1
  • Popular majors
  • HSU
    • Business (17%)
    • Education (13%)
    • Biology (9%)
    • Health Professions (9%)
    • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (8%)
  • TSU
    • Business (20%)
    • Health Professions (13%)
    • Communication (9%)
    • Biology (9%)
    • General Studies (7%)
  • Location
  • HSU Abilene, TX
  • TSU Houston, TX
  • Setting
  • HSU Midsize City
  • TSU Large City
  • Total enrollment
  • HSU 1,665
  • TSU 8,704
  • Type
  • HSU Private 4 Year
  • TSU Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • HSU #648
  • TSU #1020

Comparable Facts

Compare Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX with Texas Southern University in Houston, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Texas Southern University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (8,704 students vs. 1,665 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Hardin Simmons University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Texas Southern University is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
  • Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Hardin Simmons University 15:1; Texas Southern University 19:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 10.2% lower than at Texas Southern University ($11,500 vs. $12,800).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at HSU than at Texas Southern University (about $11,487 more per year; $32,960 vs. $21,473).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Texas Southern University (100% vs. 95%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 165.7% larger than aid received by Texas Southern University students ($26,095 vs. $9,823).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 5 points higher at HSU than at TSU (22 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both HSU and TSU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: TSU Jul 15, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at HSU average a 3.43 high school GPA, 0.43 higher than at TSU (3.0).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at HSU vs. 17.9% at TSU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $3,369 lower median loan debt than TSU graduates ($25,989 vs. $29,358).
  • Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TSU graduates ($268 vs. $303).
  • More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TSU students, three years after graduation (67% vs. 22%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

Hardin Simmons University
Texas Southern University
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges