LRC vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare La Roche University in Pittsburgh, PA with Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

La Roche University is larger than HSU based on total student enrollment (2,153 students vs. 1,665 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Roche University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large Suburban setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• La Roche University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Roche University 11:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

LRC vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LRC 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 Hardin Simmons University than LRC ($19,811 vs. $24,108).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 14.1% lower than at La Roche University ($11,500 vs. $13,390).
• La Roche University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than HSU (about $1,092 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at LRC than at Hardin Simmons University (about $1,092 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $32,960.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at La Roche University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 13% larger than aid received by La Roche University students ($26,095 vs. $23,083).

LRC vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LRC 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 LRC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 30 points higher than at LRC (1070).
• Incoming HSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at LRC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Roche University 940/1200; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Roche University 15/22; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LRC - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LRC Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman HSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at LRC (3.2).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than LRC (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at LRC vs. 12.2% at HSU.

LRC vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LRC 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).

• La Roche University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Hardin Simmons University's (47%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than LRC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $11 lower median loan debt than LRC graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Hardin Simmons University and LRC graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LRC students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 62%)

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.