Cost & ROI · 2026
Is Hardin-Simmons University worth it?
Pay $19,555/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $54,771 ten years out — about 2.8× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: C.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
Hardin-Simmons University vs Texas avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical Texas college and the typical US college.
| Metric | Hardin-Simmons University | Texas avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $19,555 | $16,183 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▲ $54,771 | $48,157 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $24,711 | $18,050 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▼ 46% | 44.3% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | ▲ 90% | 75% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $183,616 over four years. Most students get $26,349/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $24,711 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 45% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're well below that threshold.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median Hardin-Simmons University grad earns about $390,840 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about Hardin-Simmons University
The average student at Hardin-Simmons University pays $19,555 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $45,904 published sticker price. That is above the TX average net price of $16,183.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $54,771 — above the TX median of $48,157. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as an exceptional investment.
Typical graduates borrow about $24,711, roughly $268 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a moderate load at about 45% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper Texas colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of Hardin-Simmons University.
Houston, TX · Private Non-Profit Rice University A+ Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at Hardin-Simmons University?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $19,555 per year. That's $26,349/yr in financial aid against the $45,904 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $78,220.
How much do Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn a median of $54,771 per year — above the national average of $50,834. That's about 2.8× the annual net cost.
How much debt do Hardin-Simmons University graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $24,711 — about $268/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 82.2% of students take federal loans.
Is Hardin-Simmons University worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns Hardin-Simmons University a value grade of C — top 55% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $19,555/yr, earn $54,771/yr ten years out, ROI score of 7.00. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at Hardin-Simmons University?
40.1% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 82.2% take federal student loans. On average, students get $26,349 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at Hardin-Simmons University?
In-state tuition is $32,960 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $32,960 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at Hardin-Simmons University?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $13,822. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $25,639. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →