The founder of Hardin-Simmons University, James B. Simmons, had two questions that he asked himself and believed our students should ask themselves. 1. "What is the greatest thought that has ever occupied your mind? 2. What is your duty towards fulfilling it?" At HSU, we believe that everyone has a God-sized dream within them. The faculty and staff here will help you discover your dream and duty to fulfill it. We are passionate about breaking down barriers to truly change the world!
Hardin-Simmons University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university located in Abilene, Texas. Founded in 1891, HSU offers more than 85 versatile undergraduate and graduate degree programs. As a fully accredited university, we take pride in academic excellence, faith-inspired learning, affordability, family, global potential, and positive student outcomes.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Bobbie Turner
Campus Guest Coordinator
Campus Guest Coordinator
Address
PO Box 16050
Abilene, TX 79698
Abilene, TX 79698
Phone
325-670-5890
Email
visit@hsutx.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Moody Center (Student Center)
The Basement
Fitness Center
Intramural Fields
The POD
Residence Hall Lobbies;The Pond/Gazebo;Connally Mission Center; Skiles Social Science Building
The Basement
Fitness Center
Intramural Fields
The POD
Residence Hall Lobbies;The Pond/Gazebo;Connally Mission Center; Skiles Social Science Building
Most Popular Places Off Campus
PrimeTime
Mall of Abilene
Century 12 Movie Theatre
Starbucks
The Paramount Theatre/Downtown
The Grace Mueseum; Frontier Texas!; Abilene Civic Center; Abilene State Park; Abilene Zoo; Taylor County Expo Center; Putt Putt; Buffalo Gap Historic Village
Mall of Abilene
Century 12 Movie Theatre
Starbucks
The Paramount Theatre/Downtown
The Grace Mueseum; Frontier Texas!; Abilene Civic Center; Abilene State Park; Abilene Zoo; Taylor County Expo Center; Putt Putt; Buffalo Gap Historic Village
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
M-F
8-5
325-670-5890
8-5
325-670-5890
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
No
Information Sessions
Not Available
Times
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
visit@hsutx.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
American Eagle into and out of the Abilene Regional Airport; Greyhound Bus Lines
Driving Instructions to Campus
To locate the campus from east or west on I-20, take the Pine Street exit, Exit 286A, and go South. Pine Street will split, but stay to your right until you see the HSU campus. Turn right on Lineberry Blvd, then left on Cedar St, and the Dyess Welcome Center will be on your right.
Local Accommodations
A list of accommodations: LaQuinta Inn (325-676-1676); Holiday Inn Express (325-675-9800); Best Western Abilene Inn and Suites (325-672-5501); Courtyard Marriott (325-965-9600); Hampton Inn (325-695-0044); Fairfield Inn (325-695-2448); MCM Elegante Suites (325-698-1234).
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Regular admission will be offered to students submitting:
- A minimum ACT score of 20 or
- A minimum SAT score of 1020 or
- A high school class rank of top 25%
Application Deadline: Rolling
Learn more about our admission process www.hsutx.edu/admissions.
Overview
Applicants: 1,673
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Average HS GPA: 3.57
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
500 - 590
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
500 - 580
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
18 - 24
Testing Policies
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Other Admission Factors
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
A diploma--most think it's the ultimate goal of attending college. And, they're not wrong. However, a diploma is only a representation of something far more important. A degree tells the world that you achieved knowledge...that you learned what you needed to learn.
Your degree from Hardin-Simmons won't be an empty promise. An HSU diploma will represent a rigorous, useful, and modern academic education, as well as the personal and spiritual development we provide all students. When you become part of the HSU family, we're committed to loving you, embracing you, and, of course, educating you.
When you hang your diploma, you'll know the Hardin-Simmons University seal represents an educational promise kept. And, you'll know you are a part of the HSU family forever.
Colleges & Schools
- College of Fine Arts
- Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts
- Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics
- College of Human Sciences and Educational Studies
- Kelley College of Business
- Logsdon School of Theology
- Logsdon Seminary
- Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing
Online Education
As a community of educators dedicated to providing excellence in education, enlightened by Christian faith and values, HSU Online allows the mission of our institution to extend beyond our physical campus to reach the entire world. Whether you are a student at home for the summer or a missionary in residence, our online delivery allows the HSU Difference to influence, educate, and transform.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
12:1
Total Faculty
228
with Terminal Degree
162
127
Men
101
Women
18
Minority
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
35%
Graduate in 5 years
50%
Graduate in 6 years
51%
Majors
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Banking and Financial Support Services.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
Finance, General.
Management Information Systems, General.
Management Science.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication and Media Studies.
Communication, General.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.
-
EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Business Teacher Education.
Drama and Dance Teacher Education.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Education, General.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
History Teacher Education.
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education.
Secondary Education and Teaching.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Spanish Language Teacher Education.
Speech Teacher Education.
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Athletic Training/Trainer.
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
Pre-Nursing Studies.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Christian Studies.
Philosophy.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Human Services, General.
Social Work.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
-
THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS.
Bible/Biblical Studies.
Religious/Sacred Music.
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.
Theology/Theological Studies.
Youth Ministry.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Graphic Design.
Keyboard Instruments.
Music Management.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Stringed Instruments.
Voice and Opera.
Students Say
Baptist-affiliated Hardin-Simmons University in Texas excels at "instilling Christian educational values" in its career-oriented undergrads. The theology and ministry programs are "renowned" (and everybody takes a couple Bible-related courses). The nursing program is "strong and well known." Education, music, physical therapy, and the hard sciences are reportedly excellent as well. Hardin-Simmons also boasts a tuition guarantee program. If you stay enrolled full-time and don't flunk out, your tuition won't go up as long as you are an undergrad here. "Classes are small" and "challenging" at HSU, and "you will never be taught by a teaching assistant or graduate student." Professors are "exceptionally knowledgeable in their fields." A few "just can't teach," but most are "interesting" and "insightful." "They are very supportive and show passion for what they teach." "Personal attention" from faculty members is also ample. "I am not another number in a classroom," beams a nursing major. "I am a person to them."
Degrees
Bachelor's
Doctoral
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Doctoral
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Phil Wilson
GM & CEO Lower Colorado River Authority; former TX Secretary of State
Stedman Graham
CEO, S. Graham & Associates
Dr. David Scotty Holland (deceased)
Former President & CEO of Pennzoil Exploration & Production
Joe Black
Past President & Commissioner of PGA
Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Nationally-published Inspirational Author & Speaker
Dr. Willlis Whitfield (deceased)
Scientist, inventor of the Clean Room for scientific labratories
Major General Jose Mayorga
Former Deputy Asst Sec. of Defense, Homeland Defense Strategy & Force Plan
Academic Rating
77/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
35%
Graduate in 5 years
50%
Graduate in 6 years
51%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Full-Time Undergraduate Tuition: $13,645
General Fees: $850
Room: $2,040
Meals (average): $2,000
Financial Aid
Investing in your future is crucial. Our staff are ready and equipped to best help you in your journey of investing in yourself. We take great care in discussing the various options available for your financial situation.
98% of students receive financial aid. Learn more at: https://www.hsutx.edu/offices/financial-aid/
Over $16.5 million in scholarships were awarded in the 2017-2018 year. View our net price calculator to estimate your financial aid options: https://www.hsutx.edu/offices/financial-aid/financial-calculators/
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Dec 1
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$6,165
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$6,018
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,142
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
68%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$51,346
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$15,539
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$27,290
Required Fees
$1,700
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$800
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$4,000
Transportation for Commuters
$1,200
On-Campus Room and Board
$8,080
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
College/university loans from institutional funds
Federal Nursing Loans
State Loans
Federal Nursing Loans
State Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
74/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
At Hardin-Simmons University, we aspire daily to embody love, inclusion, and service in the name of Christ. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, students are welcoming and encouraging to one another. There is always a familiar face within the community of HSU. Students foster growth, learning, and stewardship among each other. Many students take part in the different activities and programs available, and even more are focused on their studies and advancing toward pursuing their careers. Our student body is growing more diverse, with an increase in international students and opportunities for inclusion found both on and off campus.
With more than 50 student organizations, intramural and club sports, and 18 NCAA Division III men's and women's varsity sports, students can participate in a wide variety of activities. There are many distinctive undergraduate programs offered at HSU such as Honors, Leadership, and Study Abroad. Extracurricular activities give students leadership opportunities and experiences that they can take with them as they graduate from Hardin-Simmons University. The two biggest events at Hardin-Simmons are the campus-wide Christmas party and Gilbert's birthday party. HSU has frequent scheduled activities in the residence halls, Moody Student Center, and on Anderson Lawn.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
1,749
Foreign Countries Represented
27
Demographics
1.08%
Asian
7.91%
Black
18.94%
Hispanic
63.67%
Caucasian
1.08%
Unknown
2.10%
International
52% female
48% male
3% are out of state
91% are full time
9% are part time
Students Say
There are all sorts of personalities at Hardin-Simmons but, as a rule, students are "plugged into at least one activity" or organization on campus. They "want to do well in classes" and "seem to have all of their priorities in line." They're also "polite," "hardworking," "athletic," "conservative," "really friendly," "and usually from Texas." Many are "from suburbs" near Dallas. Many others come from the phalanx of small towns that dot the Lone Star State. Ethnic diversity here, which includes a noticeable contingent of international students, isn't the best but it's certainly not the worst, either. The typical HSU student "has been raised in the church" or, at least, comes "from a Christian background." Without question, you'll find "some Bible thumpers" on campus who "love Jesus." However, some students "aren't actively religious," and many others fall somewhere in between.
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
HSU embraces the old and the new throughout its growing campus. Familiar red brick buildings and shade-providing pecan trees express the heritage of our university, while groundbreaking ceremonies are becoming a frequent occurrence for new legacies.
Solitude can be found in the beautiful stained-glass chapel in the Logsdon Seminary, joy by befriending Gilbert the beloved campus goose with food, and heritage by taking a stroll through the acclaimed Alumni Circle.
HSU offers an environment where our more than 2,200 students can thrive. At HSU, you experience a culture of Western hospitality and authentic West Texas spirit that is second to none.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Students are watching the construction of a new fitness center that will house cardio and strength training areas, multi-sport courts, and outdoor training spaces that will give fresh opportunities for wellness and community. In fall 2018, two, new, on-campus apartment buildings will join the current apartment complexes and five residence halls.
We welcomed the new Physician Assistant program to campus during the fall 2017 semester and look forward to expanding our leading Physical Therapy department to a state of the art facility near HSU. Plans are evolving for a new Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning that will provide training, research, and other resources for people with dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, or other language learning difficulties.
Sid Richardson Library provides an array of options for studying, conducting research, or meeting with peers to grab some coffee in the lounge area. Whether you're studying, stocking up on books and HSU gear, grabbing a bite to eat in the dining hall, or taking a break with a game of bowling, our Moody Student Center is a great place to hang out. Behrens Auditorium hosts weekly chapel, graduation, concerts, and theatre performances.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Just a few blocks away from campus is historic downtown Abilene where hip coffee shops, museums, and history can be found. There are endless opportunities to volunteer within the community of Abilene and connect with others.
- The Abilene Country Club
- Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra
- Abilene State Park
- Abilene Zoo and Discovery Center
- Buffalo Gap Historic Village
- Center for Contemporary Arts
- Century Theaters
- Dyess Linear Air Park
- Fort Phantom Hill
- Grace Museum Cultural Center
- Mall of Abilene
- Frontier Texas Museum
- National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
- The Historic Paramount Theatre
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
49%
Help finding off-campus housing
No
79/99
First-Year Students living on campus
84%
Campus Environment
Small Urban
76/99
Housing Options
Apartment Married
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Other
Dorms Male
Other
Students Say
Hardin-Simmons radiates a Christian vibe. The campus is abuzz with wholesome activity. "You could be busy every moment if you chose." Intramural sports, "campus-wide games like scavenger hunts," service organizations, and social clubs (HSU's version of a Greek system) are popular. "Big lawns are available for spontaneous recreational activities." "You can go to sporting events, see plays, or just chill and watch movies." If there's one thing on campus that needs improving, it's the cafeteria food. Devotees of the surrounding "West Texas town" of Abilene tell us that it's a "safe" place with "an excellent mall and plenty of parks." Critics of Abilene point out that Wal-Mart and IHOP "are the only places open after 10:00 P.M." Dorm policies are "strict." Its religious policies mean that "someone who is entirely liberal" would not feel at all comfortable here." While students must "get 80 chapel credits by graduation," there's a number of ways to obtain those credits beyond simply attending a church service. Similarly, while "Hardin-Simmons really is not that much of a party school," there are plenty of "fun people who enjoy a party or two" "on the weekends." "Let's be honest," concedes a theology major, "it's college."
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
N/A
Director
Rachel King
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
A clear diagnostic statement that describes how the condition was diagnosed, information about the functional impact, and suggestions of appropriate accommodations. Provided by a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience, and has no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated. All documentation must be on official letterhead, typed and signed by the professional. Copies of at least one aptitude/achievement test such as the WAIS-IV or the Weschler Individual Achievement Test.Documentation Required for ADHD
A clear diagnostic statement that describes how the condition was diagnosed, information about the functional impact, and suggestions of appropriate accommodations. Provided by a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience, and has no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated. All documentation must be on official letterhead, typed and signed by the professional.Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
No
Other assistive technology
No
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
49
Number of Honor Societies
15
Number of Social Sororities
4
Number of Religious Organizations
5
6% join a fraternity
10% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
56% participate in intramural sports
23% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Cowboys)
9 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Cowgirls)
9 Sports
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Minority Support Groups: The overall purpose of the UNITY group is to unify the attitudes of the student body in regards to race, culture, and ethnicity. Also to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual. Also a women's social club, Sigma Chi Delta, is committed to building relationships and understanding by promoting diversity and cultural awareness at HSU and throughout the city of Abilene.
Sustainability
63/99
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
Yes
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Dell
