Is Howard Payne University a Christian college?

Yes. Howard Payne University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Baptist General Convention of Texas.

What is Howard Payne University’s Compass Score?

65 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is chapel held at Howard Payne University?

Chapel is listed at Mims Auditorium. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Christian college

#15 Christian colleges with the most faculty per student in America

Howard Payne University

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

Real cost

Average price after aid $23,627 a year

Median debt at graduation: $26,793 (all students)

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

Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, is a church-related university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Chapel meets on Wednesdays, and undergraduates must complete six semesters of chapel to graduate. The Baptist Student Ministry offers Bible study groups, twice-monthly student-led worship and missions projects.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Howard Payne University

MonToday
No set time
TueToday
No set time
WedToday
- 10:00AMChapel
ThuToday
- 9:00PMWorship nightTwice a month
FriToday
No set time
SatToday
No set time
SunToday
No set time

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

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

In the college’s own words

“the BSM exists to help college students become disciples of Jesus Christ while they are at school.”
Source: hputx.edu
“Community Groups – Students coming together to read scripture, encourage and pray for one another.”
Source: hputx.edu
“Community Missions – Students get together and make a difference by volunteering in the community at Good Samaritan Ministries, tutoring kids in need, and visiting local nursing homes.”
Source: hputx.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Undergraduates must complete six semesters of Chapel to graduate.

Source: hputx.edu

What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in Mims Auditorium, and a student-led Campus Celebration meets Thursdays at 9 p.m. twice a month.

Source: hputx.edu

Where do I find community?

Community Groups meet for students to read scripture and pray for one another, and the BSM partners with local churches to offer a free lunch once a week.

Source: hputx.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

The BSM takes part in at least one mission project each fall, spring and summer, and students volunteer in the community.

Source: hputx.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

In Texas

Academic Excellence

C+

44 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score28%
First-year retention 20% of score52%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,026 · ACT 21.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score10 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$11,204

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.

Worship and chapel

54 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (Chapel once a week (Wednesdays) in the fall and spring semesters.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel services are held on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters.”
  Chapel services are held once a week, on Wednesdays, in the fall and spring semesters.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Six semesters of chapel attendance are required to graduate; each semester is graded pass or fail.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Undergraduate students are required to complete six semesters of Chapel to graduate from Howard Payne University.”
  Undergraduates must complete six semesters of chapel to graduate.
Partly:
Student worship nights or praise servicesTwice a month (Student-led Campus Celebration on Thursdays at 9 PM, twice a month.)
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Campus Celebration – A student-led service on Thursday at 9pm twice a month.”
  A student-led worship service is held on Thursdays at 9 PM twice a month.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Pray and Do – Students who pray for others, and look for ways they can help answer those prayers.”
  A student prayer group, Pray and Do, is listed.
Not enough information:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Chapel is held in Mims Auditorium.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-27 Student Handbook, Chapel policyhputx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/26-27-Student-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “10:00 a.m. in Mims Auditorium during the fall and”
  Chapel services are typically held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays in Mims Auditorium during the fall and spring semesters.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 1 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).

Bible and theology

89 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

Partly:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (The general education core requires BIB 1303 and BIB 1304 of all degree students (2026-27 catalog).)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 University Catalog, General Educationhputx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-2027-HPU-University-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIB 1303 Introduction to the Old Testament”
  The general education requirements include Introduction to the Old Testament.
  “BIB 1304 Introduction to the New Testament”
  The general education requirements include Introduction to the New Testament.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 University Catalog, General Educationhputx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-2027-HPU-University-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIB 1303 Introduction to the Old Testament”
  The general education requirements include Introduction to the Old Testament.
  “BIB 1304 Introduction to the New Testament”
  The general education requirements include Introduction to the New Testament.
Not enough information:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The general education rationale states that the faculty's aim is to equip students to live in a God-created world, and describes a Christian liberal arts community.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 University Catalog, General Educationhputx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-2027-HPU-University-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “As members of a Christian, liberal arts university community, the faculty at Howard Payne University believe that our general education requirements”
  The general education requirements are framed around a Christian liberal arts community.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Bible major listed in the 2026-27 catalog, with a Bible major core.)
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 University Catalog, Bible Majorhputx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-2027-HPU-University-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Bible Major Core Electives (six hours chosen from)”
  The 2026-27 catalog lists a Bible major with its own core courses.
Not enough information:
A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.

N/A

Christian community

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

Not enough information:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (The BSM ministries page lists about ten student-led groups and teams, including community groups, a freshmen council and a drama ministry.)
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Community Groups – Students coming together to read scripture, encourage and pray for one another.”
  Student Bible reading and prayer groups, called Community Groups, are listed.
Yes:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithAll faculty (Human Resources states that employees must support the affirmation of traditional Christian and Baptist beliefs; the policy covers employees generally.)
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “If your church would like to participate, please contact Bryan Pate at bpate@hputx.edu.”
  Churches that wish to take part in BSM events contact Bryan Pate.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Baptist Student Ministry is the campus office for spiritual life.)
Sources (1)
1. Baptist Student Ministry | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “the BSM exists to help college students become disciples of Jesus Christ while they are at school.”
  The Baptist Student Ministry is the campus office that supports students' spiritual life.

Missions and service

73 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes (The BSM Missions and Evangelism Team runs an organized, staffed service program.)
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Community Missions – Students get together and make a difference by volunteering in the community at Good Samaritan Ministries, tutoring kids in need, and visiting local nursing homes.”
  The BSM Missions and Evangelism Team runs community service projects.
Not enough information:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Missions trips offered to studentsSome (At least one mission project is planned each fall, spring and summer.)
Sources (1)
1. Missions | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Typically, we are involved in at least one mission project in the Fall semester, Spring semester, and Summer.”
  The BSM is typically involved in at least one mission project each semester and in the summer.
Partly:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome (The BSM partners with local churches to provide a weekly free lunch on campus.)
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Free Lunch – The BSM partners with local churches to feed students on campus once a week.”
  The BSM works with local churches to provide a free lunch for students once a week.
Partly:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome
Sources (1)
1. Missions | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Missions is a big part of the BSM, whether it be local, national, or international.”
  The BSM runs mission work locally, nationally and internationally.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Pray and Do – Students who pray for others, and look for ways they can help answer those prayers.”
  A student prayer group, Pray and Do, is listed.

Strengths

Undergraduates must complete six semesters of chapel to graduate.
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Undergraduate students are required to complete six semesters of Chapel to graduate from Howard Payne University.”
  Undergraduates must complete six semesters of chapel to graduate.
The general education core requires both Old Testament and New Testament introductions.
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 University Catalog, General Educationhputx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-2027-HPU-University-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIB 1303 Introduction to the Old Testament”
  The general education requirements include Introduction to the Old Testament.
The Baptist Student Ministry runs missions projects at least once each semester and in the summer.
Sources (1)
1. Missions | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Typically, we are involved in at least one mission project in the Fall semester, Spring semester, and Summer.”
  The BSM is typically involved in at least one mission project each semester and in the summer.

Concerns

The core requires two Bible courses.
Sources (1)
1. 2026-2027 University Catalog, General Educationhputx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-2027-HPU-University-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIB 1303 Introduction to the Old Testament”
  The general education requirements include Introduction to the Old Testament.

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

Baptist Student Ministry (The Hub, BSM Office)

Address: 1217 Center Avenue, Brownwood, TX 76801
Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

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

Campus ministry

Baptist Student Ministry

Sources (1)

Baptist Student Ministry | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“the BSM exists to help college students become disciples of Jesus Christ while they are at school.”
The Baptist Student Ministry is the campus office that supports students' spiritual life.

Christian clubs and student life

4 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 0 off campus, 1 location not published

Clubs and groups 1

Community GroupsOn campus
Students meet to read scripture, encourage and pray for one another.
hputx.edu

Other 1

Campus CelebrationOn campus
Thursdays at 9 PM, twice a month
A student-led worship service.
hputx.edu

Service 2

Free LunchOn campus
Once a week
A free lunch for students, provided with local churches.
hputx.edu
Community Missions
Volunteering at Good Samaritan Ministries, tutoring children and visiting local nursing homes.
hputx.edu

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 1

Wednesday10:00 AMMims Auditorium · Fall and spring semesters, unless otherwise announced; the 2026-27 handbook says typically.

Worship night 1

Thursday9:00 PMBaptist Student Ministry · Student-led Campus Celebration, twice a month.

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)

2026-27 Student Handbook, Chapel policyhputx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/26-27-Student-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“10:00 a.m. in Mims Auditorium during the fall and”
Chapel services are typically held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays in Mims Auditorium during the fall and spring semesters.
Ministries | Howard Payne Universityhputx.edu/student-experience/baptist-student-ministry/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Campus Celebration – A student-led service on Thursday at 9pm twice a month.”
A student-led worship service is held on Thursdays at 9 PM twice a month.

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 income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$24,043
$30,001–$48,000	$21,423
$48,001–$75,000	$25,917
$75,001–$110,000	$23,412
Over $110,000	$24,182

Full cost of attendance before aid: $46,766 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)	768
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 52% · Women 48%
First-generation students College Scorecard	37%
Total students	833
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$23,627
Cost of attendance (per year)	$46,766
Median federal debt at graduation	$26,793
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	28%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	37%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	33%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	55%
First-year retention	52%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$48,376
Admission rate	67%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	No application fee
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $823 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	44%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 880–1160ACT 16–27

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1026
SAT reading & writing	440–610
SAT math	440–550
ACT composite	16–27
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 30 / 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
Major	Median earnings
Secondary education	$56,101
Business administration	$54,795

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Allied health, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Communication studies, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, Criminology, Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis, Engineering Mechanics, English, Family and human development, Finance, Fine arts, Health sciences, History, International relations, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Management information systems, Marketing, Mathematics, Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Nursing, Pastoral counseling, Political science, Pre-law and legal studies, Psychology, Public relations, Religious Education, Religious studies, Romance languages, Social work, Teacher education, Theatre, Theology.

What students study most

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

Most common bachelor’s fields
Field	Share of degrees
Business	16%
Education	14%
Parks, recreation and fitness	13%
Health professions	12%
Social sciences	10%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Town
Part-time undergraduates	7%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	9%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$10,200
Sports	NCAA Division III · American Southwest Conference
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	10 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability office	About 4%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time	100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$113,385IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 91% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Abilene Regional Airport (ABI)About 63 miles away · about 1 hour 40 minutes by car
Nearest major airport	Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)About 131 miles away
Town population	18,777Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	Fort WorthAbout 121 miles away · about 2 hours 40 minutes by car
Typical weather	46°F in January · 84°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Brownwood 2ene, TX, about 3 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
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.00	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.41	0.04
Burglary	0.00	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.00	0.15

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

Christian churches nearby

CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Howard Payne University a Christian college?: Yes. Howard Payne University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Baptist General Convention of Texas.
What is Howard Payne University’s Compass Score?: 65 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Howard Payne University?: Chapel is listed at Mims Auditorium. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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Reach out

Contact details for Bryan Pate (Contact for churches that wish to take part in BSM events) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 225548
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
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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