Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Hardin-Simmons University: Johnson Building, HSU, Abilene, TX IMG 6333
Photo: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TX · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Baptist General Convention of Texas · Baptist

Real cost

Average price after aid $19,555 a year

Median debt at graduation: $24,711 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Hardin-Simmons University is a university in Abilene, Texas, described on its official pages as a church-related institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Chapel is held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the fall and spring semesters, and every undergraduate must earn 80 chapel credits to graduate. The core requires two Bible or religion courses and the university offers a Christian Studies major.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Hardin-Simmons University

  1. MonToday

    No set time

  2. TueToday

    • 9:30AMChapel
  3. WedToday

    No set time

  4. ThuToday

    • 9:30AMChapel
  5. FriToday

    No set time

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    No set time

No set time: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

  • “We partner with Go Now Missions, a ministry of Texas Baptists, to send HSU students all over the world.”

    Source: hsutx.edu
  • “Serve Like Simmons is a biannual, campus-wide day of service at Hardin-Simmons University.”

    Source: hsutx.edu
  • “Be Bold through service, leadership, and sharing Christ’s love on campus, in our city, and to the nations.”

    Source: hsutx.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students are required to have 80 chapel credits to graduate, and 60 chapel credits to apply for graduation.

Source: hsutx.edu
What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., and once a month on a Wednesday there is a gathering for all of HSU.

Source: hsutx.edu
Where do I find community?

Discipleship Groups are weekly gatherings held across campus, each led by two or three student leaders.

Source: hsutx.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

We partner with Go Now Missions, a ministry of Texas Baptists, to send HSU students all over the world.

Source: hsutx.edu

Academic Excellence

B-Academic Excellence: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
54 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.46%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.65%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,108 · ACT 22.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.15 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$12,190

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

CWorship and chapel: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

60 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Chapel on Tuesdays and Thursdays, two a week.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel Schedule | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/chapel-schedule · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel services are held on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Chapels are held in Behrens Chapel Auditorium, and Thursday Chapels are held in Logsdon Chapel throughout the fall and spring semesters (unless otherwise noted).”
      Chapel services are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Behrens Chapel Auditorium and Logsdon Chapel.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Students must earn 80 chapel credits to graduate; chapel attendance is recorded by swiping the student ID.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel Requirements | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/chapel-requirement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are required to have 80 chapel credits to graduate, and 60 chapel credits to apply for graduation.”
      Chapel attendance is required, with 80 chapel credits needed to graduate.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNow and then
    Sources (1)
    1. Baptist Student Ministry | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/baptist-student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Once a month on a Wednesday, we have a gathering for all HSU that includes worship, preaching the word, and an after-party (with food). This is called BSM United. It takes place at 8:00 pm in Woodward-Dellis.”
      BSM United, a campus worship gathering, meets once a month on a Wednesday at 8:00 pm.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Chapel is held in Behrens Chapel Auditorium and Logsdon Chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel Schedule | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/chapel-schedule · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel services are held on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Chapels are held in Behrens Chapel Auditorium, and Thursday Chapels are held in Logsdon Chapel throughout the fall and spring semesters (unless otherwise noted).”
      Chapel services are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Behrens Chapel Auditorium and Logsdon Chapel.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (3 weekly times documented: 2 chapel, 1 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
BBible and theology: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

73 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (The Foundational Curriculum requires 2 courses from Biblical/Christian Studies (BIBL 1301, BIBL 1302, RELI 2345); the catalog lists those three options; two are required of every student. Catalog year 2025-2026.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Foundational Curriculum Courses | Hardin-Simmons University Catalog 2025-2026hsutx.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs-and-policies/the-foundational-curriculum-courses · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Biblical/Christian Studies (6 credit hours; 2 courses) BIBL 1301 Old Testament Survey BIBL 1302 New Testament Survey RELI 2345 The Religious & Philosophical Life”
      The Foundational Curriculum requires two courses from Biblical/Christian Studies, chosen from BIBL 1301, BIBL 1302 and RELI 2345.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsOne choice among others (The Old and New Testament surveys are two of three listed options; a student may take RELI 2345 instead.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Foundational Curriculum Courses | Hardin-Simmons University Catalog 2025-2026hsutx.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs-and-policies/the-foundational-curriculum-courses · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Biblical/Christian Studies (6 credit hours; 2 courses) BIBL 1301 Old Testament Survey BIBL 1302 New Testament Survey RELI 2345 The Religious & Philosophical Life”
      The Foundational Curriculum requires two courses from Biblical/Christian Studies, chosen from BIBL 1301, BIBL 1302 and RELI 2345.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (The Foundational Curriculum's faith-related requirement is the Biblical/Christian Studies group counted in T1; no separate worldview course is required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Foundational Curriculum Courses | Hardin-Simmons University Catalog 2025-2026hsutx.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs-and-policies/the-foundational-curriculum-courses · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Biblical/Christian Studies (6 credit hours; 2 courses) BIBL 1301 Old Testament Survey BIBL 1302 New Testament Survey RELI 2345 The Religious & Philosophical Life”
      The Foundational Curriculum requires two courses from Biblical/Christian Studies, chosen from BIBL 1301, BIBL 1302 and RELI 2345.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The Foundational Curriculum states that it seeks to affirm the relevance and importance of the Christian faith.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Foundational Curriculum | Hardin-Simmons University Catalog 2025-2026hsutx.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs-and-policies/the-foundational-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Affirm the relevance and importance of the Christian faith.”
      The Foundational Curriculum states an aim to affirm the relevance and importance of the Christian faith.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Logsdon School of Theology | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/academics/schools-colleges/logsdon · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Logsdon offers a Christian Studies major, with courses in biblical studies, church history, ministry, and theology, as well as a Christian Studies minor for students pursuing ministry alongside other fields.”
      A Christian Studies major is offered through the Logsdon School of Theology.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission, Vision, & Statements of Purpose and Faith | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/about-hsu/mission-vision-statement-of-faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “After much prayer and careful deliberation, this Statement of Faith humbly and thoughtfully memorializes the sincere historically held religious beliefs of Hardin-Simmons University.”
      The university publishes a Statement of Faith, adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2022.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One named spiritual life director appears.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “If you need to talk about something important, call Shelli Presley, Director of Spiritual Formation at 325-670-1087.”
      Shelli Presley is the Director of Spiritual Formation and can be reached by phone at 325-670-1087.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Discipleship Groups meet weekly across campus; each one is a Bible study led by student leaders.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Baptist Student Ministry | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/baptist-student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Discipleship Groups are weekly gatherings held across campus after Gateway. Each Discipleship Group consists of 2-3 BSM leaders who lead a Bible study and help their fellow HSU students grow in their faith.”
      Weekly Bible study Discipleship Groups are held across campus.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (Behrens, Ferguson and Lange halls list a student assistant chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Behrens Hall | Residence Life | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/living-on-campus/residence-life/behrens-hall · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “a residence life staff consisting of 6 Residence Assistants, an assistant Resident Director, a student assistant chaplain”
      Behrens Hall residence life staff includes a student assistant chaplain.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Chaplaincy | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/chaplaincy · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The primary objective of the Director of Chapel and Spiritual Formation is to engage staff and students in positive reflection, learning, and development of their Christian faith”
      A Director of Chapel and Spiritual Formation leads the office for spiritual life.
CMissions and service: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

68 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (LiveSent is a staffed mission program with a named contact, Dr. Heather Hadlock.)
    Sources (1)
    1. LiveSent | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/livesent · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Throughout the year, LiveSent teams bring HSU students, faculty, and staff to communities near and far to love, care, and serve those in need.”
      LiveSent mission teams serve communities locally and far away; questions go to a named staff contact.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Serve Like Simmons is a biannual, campus-wide day of service at Hardin-Simmons University. Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni gather to serve local organizations in our community.”
      A biannual campus day of service serves local organizations.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Several mission trips are listed for the year; recorded at Some.)
    Sources (1)
    1. LiveSent | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/livesent · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Throughout the year, LiveSent teams bring HSU students, faculty, and staff to communities near and far to love, care, and serve those in need.”
      LiveSent mission teams serve communities locally and far away; questions go to a named staff contact.
      “HSU is excited to partner with Mission Arlington, an organization serving Arlington and surrounding communities for 39 years.”
      Campus mission trips partner with Mission Arlington.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
    Sources (2)
    1. LiveSent | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/livesent · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “HSU is excited to partner with Mission Arlington, an organization serving Arlington and surrounding communities for 39 years.”
      Campus mission trips partner with Mission Arlington.
    2. Spiritual Formation | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Serve Like Simmons is a biannual, campus-wide day of service at Hardin-Simmons University. Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni gather to serve local organizations in our community.”
      A biannual campus day of service serves local organizations.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Baptist Student Ministry | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/baptist-student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We partner with Go Now Missions, a ministry of Texas Baptists, to send HSU students all over the world.”
      Students are sent on mission trips around the world through Go Now Missions.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Be Bold through service, leadership, and sharing Christ’s love on campus, in our city, and to the nations.”
      Spiritual formation includes service rooted in sharing Christ's love.

Strengths

  • Chapel is held twice a week, and students are required to earn 80 chapel credits to graduate.
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel Schedule | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/chapel-schedule · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel services are held on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Chapels are held in Behrens Chapel Auditorium, and Thursday Chapels are held in Logsdon Chapel throughout the fall and spring semesters (unless otherwise noted).”
      Chapel services are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Behrens Chapel Auditorium and Logsdon Chapel.
    2. Chapel Requirements | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/chapel-requirement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are required to have 80 chapel credits to graduate, and 60 chapel credits to apply for graduation.”
      Chapel attendance is required, with 80 chapel credits needed to graduate.
  • A published statement of faith governs the university's governance and academic purpose.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission, Vision, & Statements of Purpose and Faith | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/about-hsu/mission-vision-statement-of-faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “After much prayer and careful deliberation, this Statement of Faith humbly and thoughtfully memorializes the sincere historically held religious beliefs of Hardin-Simmons University.”
      The university publishes a Statement of Faith, adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2022.
  • A Christian Studies major is offered through the Logsdon School of Theology.
    Sources (1)
    1. Logsdon School of Theology | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/academics/schools-colleges/logsdon · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Logsdon offers a Christian Studies major, with courses in biblical studies, church history, ministry, and theology, as well as a Christian Studies minor for students pursuing ministry alongside other fields.”
      A Christian Studies major is offered through the Logsdon School of Theology.
  • Mission teams and a Director of Spiritual Formation are published with contacts.
    Sources (2)
    1. LiveSent | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/livesent · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Throughout the year, LiveSent teams bring HSU students, faculty, and staff to communities near and far to love, care, and serve those in need.”
      LiveSent mission teams serve communities locally and far away; questions go to a named staff contact.
    2. Spiritual Formation | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “If you need to talk about something important, call Shelli Presley, Director of Spiritual Formation at 325-670-1087.”
      Shelli Presley is the Director of Spiritual Formation and can be reached by phone at 325-670-1087.

Concerns

  • The core requires two Bible or religion courses chosen from three options.
    Sources (1)
    1. The Foundational Curriculum Courses | Hardin-Simmons University Catalog 2025-2026hsutx.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs-and-policies/the-foundational-curriculum-courses · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Biblical/Christian Studies (6 credit hours; 2 courses) BIBL 1301 Old Testament Survey BIBL 1302 New Testament Survey RELI 2345 The Religious & Philosophical Life”
      The Foundational Curriculum requires two courses from Biblical/Christian Studies, chosen from BIBL 1301, BIBL 1302 and RELI 2345.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Office of Spiritual Formation and Baptist Student Ministry

  • Address: 2200 Hickory, Abilene, TX, 79698
  • Facilities: chapel

Source: hsutx.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, hsutx.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Spiritual Formation | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “If you need to talk about something important, call Shelli Presley, Director of Spiritual Formation at 325-670-1087.”
    Shelli Presley is the Director of Spiritual Formation and can be reached by phone at 325-670-1087.
  2. Baptist Student Ministry | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/baptist-student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Once a month on a Wednesday, we have a gathering for all HSU that includes worship, preaching the word, and an after-party (with food). This is called BSM United. It takes place at 8:00 pm in Woodward-Dellis.”
    BSM United, a campus worship gathering, meets once a month on a Wednesday at 8:00 pm.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 2 off campus

Service 3

  • LiveSent mission teamsOff campus
    Mission teams that serve communities near and far, including a service trip with Mission Arlington.
  • Beach ReachOff campus
    Spring Break
    BSM outreach at South Padre Island with other Texas Baptist student groups.
  • Serve Like SimmonsOn campus
    Biannual campus-wide day of service to local organizations.

Faith formation 2

  • BSM UnitedOn campus
    Once a month, Wednesday 8:00 pm
    Campus-wide gathering with worship, preaching and an after-party.
  • Discipleship GroupsOn campus
    Weekly, after Gateway
    Weekly Bible study groups led by two or three BSM leaders.

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 2

  • Tuesday9:30 AMBehrens Chapel Auditorium · Fall and spring semesters, unless otherwise noted.
  • Thursday9:30 AMLogsdon Chapel · Fall and spring semesters, unless otherwise noted.

Worship night 1

  • Wednesday8:00 PMWoodward-Dellis · Once a month (BSM United).

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Chapel Schedule | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/chapel-schedule · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel services are held on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Chapels are held in Behrens Chapel Auditorium, and Thursday Chapels are held in Logsdon Chapel throughout the fall and spring semesters (unless otherwise noted).”
    Chapel services are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Behrens Chapel Auditorium and Logsdon Chapel.
    “Chapel services are held on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Chapels are held in Behrens Chapel Auditorium, and Thursday Chapels are held in Logsdon Chapel throughout the fall and spring semesters (unless otherwise noted).”
    Chapel services are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Behrens Chapel Auditorium and Logsdon Chapel.
  2. Baptist Student Ministry | Hardin-Simmons Universityhsutx.edu/student-life/spiritual-life/baptist-student-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Once a month on a Wednesday, we have a gathering for all HSU that includes worship, preaching the word, and an after-party (with food). This is called BSM United. It takes place at 8:00 pm in Woodward-Dellis.”
    BSM United, a campus worship gathering, meets once a month on a Wednesday at 8:00 pm.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$13,822
$30,001–$48,000$15,190
$48,001–$75,000$17,248
$75,001–$110,000$18,182
Over $110,000$25,639

Full cost of attendance before aid: $45,904 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,283
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 50% · Women 50%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
31%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
3%
Total students1,655
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$19,555
Cost of attendance (per year)$45,904
Median federal debt at graduation$24,711
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
46%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
50%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
46%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
64%
First-year retention65%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$54,771
Admission rate90%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,020 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants40%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1010–1190ACT 19–26
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1108
SAT reading & writing510–600
SAT math500–590
ACT composite19–26
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 57 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$90,276
Finance$72,425
Biology$52,005
Secondary education$51,722
Kinesiology and exercise science$50,560
Criminal justice$49,389
Business administration$48,112
Psychology$47,423

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Allied health, Arts management, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Clinical and counseling psychology, Communication studies, Design, Economics, English, Fine arts, General studies, Geology and earth science, History, Human Computer Interaction, Human services, Management information systems, Management science, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physical Sciences, Physics, Political science, Programming, Public relations, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Social work, Sociology, Speech-language pathology, Teacher education, Theatre, Theology, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
FieldShare of degrees
Business19%
Parks, recreation and fitness12%
Biology11%
Health professions10%
Psychology10%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates5%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older6%
On-campus room and board (per year)$11,500
SportsNCAA Division III · American Southwest Conference
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member15 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 8%IPEDS, 2023–24
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time64%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$136,063IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 92% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceAbilene Regional Airport (ABI)About 5 miles away · about 15 minutes by car
Town population128,053Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreFort WorthAbout 140 miles away · about 2 hours 45 minutes by car
Typical weather46°F in January · 85°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Abilene Regional Airport, TX, about 6 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape1.200.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.600.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.600.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Hardin-Simmons University a Christian college?
Yes. Hardin-Simmons University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Baptist General Convention of Texas.
What is Hardin-Simmons University’s Compass Score?
64 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Hardin-Simmons University?
Chapel is listed at Behrens Chapel Auditorium and Logsdon Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 225247
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Baptist
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