Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Abilene, Texas
96.5% Acceptance Rate
Hardin-Simmons University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
96.5%Acceptance Rate
3.43Avg GPA
1064Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$45,059Annual Cost
$54,771Grad Salary
38.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
96.5%
Avg GPA
3.43
Avg SAT
1064
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
968–1190
ACT Middle 50%
18–24
Need-Based Aid
38.4% receive Pell
Hardin-Simmons University is a private, Christian liberal arts university in Texas that emphasizes the integration of faith, scholarship, and service. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their academic record, potential for campus contribution, and alignment with the university??s mission. The university seeks well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in a supportive learning environment where mentorship is prioritized.
Successful applicants should emphasize their participation in community service, athletics, or student leadership roles, as these reflect the university's mission of preparing students for service and leadership. A strong personal statement should discuss how the student's personal and professional goals align with the university's commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. The admissions committee values applicants who show maturity and a clear, thoughtful approach to their future career and academic development within a community-centered environment.
Hardin-Simmons University Acceptance Rate
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 96.5% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 96.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.43 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.23 – 3.42
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.98
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Hardin-Simmons University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Hardin-Simmons University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
HSU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
HSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at HSU is 3.43. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.13–3.43 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.63–3.83.HSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.43 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.23 – 3.42
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.03 – 3.22
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.02
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Automatic General Admission requires any one of: 3.5+ HS GPA, top-quarter class rank, ACT 20+, SAT 1050+, or CLT 67+; students slightly below these thresholds may qualify for Enhanced Admission with mandatory first-semester enrollment in the Strategic Learning Initiative.
- HSU closed Logsdon Seminary in 2020 (along with 22 other academic programs) amid financial restructuring; the Logsdon School of Theology continues to offer undergraduate degrees.
- Graduation requires 80 chapel credits, earnable through multiple qualifying activities beyond simply attending chapel services.
- HSU offers a tuition-lock guarantee for students who remain continuously enrolled full-time and in good academic standing; the university holds a 2016 Title IX religious exemption.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at HSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Hardin-Simmons University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if HSU is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into HSU Without SAT or ACT?
HSU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Hardin-Simmons University Average SAT Score: 1064
The average SAT score of admitted students at Hardin-Simmons University is 1064 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1064 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1190 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Hardin-Simmons University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 968, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at HSU. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 539 | 488 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 540 | 480 | 600 |
| SAT Composite | 1064 | 968 | 1190 |
Below 968, you're behind most admitted students; at 1190 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) with a 1200 SAT?
A 1200 SAT puts you ahead of most of HSU's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at HSU is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 24 |
Can I get into Hardin-Simmons University with a 24 ACT?
A 24 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of HSU's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at HSU.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for HSU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Getting into HSU is the easy part. What matters next is using placement testing, advising, and available resources to set up a strong first year.
Know the exact automatic-admission tiers
General Admission requires any ONE of: 3.5+ HS GPA, top-quarter class rank (class of 10+), ACT 20+, SAT 1050+, or CLT 67+. Students below these thresholds but with a 3.0-3.49 GPA or top-half class rank instead qualify for Enhanced Admission, which comes with mandatory enrollment in the Strategic Learning Initiative during the first semester - a defined academic-support safety net, not a vague "special admission" category.
Clarify which "Logsdon" offering is actually relevant to your goals
HSU closed Logsdon Seminary in 2020 amid financial restructuring, but the Logsdon School of Theology still offers undergraduate degrees (Christian Studies, biblical studies, worship leadership). A student interested in ministry training should clarify exactly which Logsdon offering - the still-active undergraduate school vs. the now-closed graduate seminary - actually matches their goals.
Spread the 80 chapel-credit requirement across all four years
Graduation requires a specific, defined number of chapel credits (80), earnable through multiple qualifying activities beyond simply attending a chapel service. Ask advising which activities count early so this can be spread across all four years rather than scrambling senior year.
Maintain continuous full-time status to preserve the tuition-lock guarantee
The locked tuition-rate guarantee applies only to students who remain continuously enrolled full-time and in good academic standing. Dropping to part-time status or failing out and returning may forfeit the locked rate, so continuous full-time enrollment is the specific condition that preserves this financial benefit.
Expert Insight:
HSU underwent significant institutional contraction in 2018 and 2020 - closing five campus extensions (including Logsdon Seminary sites in Coppell, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, and McAllen) and ultimately closing Logsdon Seminary itself along with 22 additional academic programs. A student researching HSU based on older program listings or extension-campus information should verify current program and location availability directly with admissions rather than relying on historical marketing materials.
HSU Profile
Full Name
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU)
City
Abilene
State
Texas
ZIP Code
79698-0001
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a HSU Degree Worth It?
HSU offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $59,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.33%.
How much does a degree from HSU Cost?
The sticker price is $45,059/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
38.4% of students receive a Pell Grant and 82.8% take federal loans at HSU. File your FAFSA early and list HSU as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a HSU Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $54,771. That's about 35% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Hardin-Simmons University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Hardin-Simmons University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Point University | West Point, GA | 1059 | 19 |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | 1057 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Hardin-Simmons University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at HSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About HSU Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Hardin-Simmons University run about $54,771 a year.
Hardin-Simmons University costs roughly $45,059 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 38.4% receive a Pell Grant at Hardin-Simmons University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 96.5%, Hardin-Simmons University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Hardin-Simmons University average a 3.43 GPA.
Hardin-Simmons University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.13 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.03, Hardin-Simmons University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Hardin-Simmons University — aim above 1064, ideally within the 968–1190 range admitted students typically fall in.
Hardin-Simmons University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.