Wartburg College vs. HSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Wartburg College in Waverly, IA 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 Wartburg College based on total student enrollment (1,665 students vs. 1,483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wartburg College is located in Waverly, IA (Distant Town setting); Hardin Simmons University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Wartburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hardin Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wartburg College 13:1; Hardin Simmons University 15:1.

Wartburg College vs. HSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wartburg College 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 Wartburg College ($19,811 vs. $24,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hardin Simmons University are 2.1% lower than at Wartburg College ($11,500 vs. $11,750).
• Hardin Simmons University is 25.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $6,710 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.6% higher at HSU than at Wartburg College (about $6,710 more per year; $32,960.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hardin Simmons University than at Wartburg College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 54.6% larger than aid received by Hardin Simmons University students ($40,336 vs. $26,095).

Wartburg College vs. HSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wartburg College 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 Wartburg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hardin Simmons University (1100) is 30 points higher than at Wartburg College (1070).
• Incoming Wartburg College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at HSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wartburg College 930/1200; Hardin Simmons University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wartburg College 21/27; Hardin Simmons University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wartburg College - Test optional; HSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Wartburg College students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at HSU (3.43).
• HSU has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than Wartburg College (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at Wartburg College vs. 12.2% at HSU.

Wartburg College vs. HSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wartburg College 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).

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Hardin Simmons University's (47%).
• Graduates from Wartburg College earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than HSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $46,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hardin Simmons University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than Wartburg College graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, HSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wartburg College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HSU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 67%)

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.