Ozarks vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR with Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hardin Simmons University is larger than Ozarks based on total student enrollment (1,665 students vs. 778 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Ozarks is located in Clarksville, AR (Remote Town setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• University of the Ozarks is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Ozarks 14:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

Ozarks vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ozarks 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 Ozarks ($19,811 vs. $20,088).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Ozarks are 16.5% lower than at Hardin Simmons University ($9,603 vs. $11,500).
• Hardin Simmons University is 27% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ozarks (about $7,010 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $25,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27% higher at HSU than at University of the Ozarks (about $7,010 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $25,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of the Ozarks as at Hardin Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hardin Simmons University students is 38.9% larger than aid received by University of the Ozarks students ($26,095 vs. $18,783).

Ozarks vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ozarks or HSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between HSU and Ozarks.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Ozarks (1090).
• Incoming Ozarks students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 22) as students at HSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of the Ozarks 1020/1160; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of the Ozarks 20/25; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ozarks - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman HSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at Ozarks (3.38).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Ozarks (59.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Ozarks vs. 12.2% at HSU.

Ozarks vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ozarks and HSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Hardin Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than University of the Ozarks's (46%).
• Graduates from Hardin Simmons University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Ozarks graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Ozarks graduates have a $3,449 lower median loan debt than HSU graduates ($22,540 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Ozarks graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HSU graduates ($233 vs. $268).
• More HSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ozarks students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 59%)

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.