Hardin-Simmons Nationally Ranked for Affordability

Hardin-Simmons University has been named one of the nation’s “Best Affordable Colleges” by Colleges of Distinction in its inaugural list of “Affordable Colleges of Distinction for 2023.” 

HSU is one of only 124 schools in the nation and one of only two Texas private universities to earn the “Affordable College of Distinction” designation. 

“How to pay for college is a near-universal question at the top of new students’ minds,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. 

“Our calculations look at a number of factors related to cost,” said Schritter. “It’s important for us to remember that not all students are coming from the same socioeconomic background, and so we have incorporated weighted variables that adjust for family income relative to net price.” Colleges of Distinction’s methodology is informed by institutional data published by the U.S. Department of Education. Those on the list showed low net prices that were directly proportional to student household income.  

Beyond net price, Colleges of Distinction also considered graduates’ median debt and mean earnings data. These were then controlled for each school’s location, size, public/private affiliation status, and percentage of Pell grant recipients.

“Our Affordable Colleges of Distinction are not just those with a low sticker price; they exemplify a solid return on a student’s investment.” Schritter continues. “Hardin-Simmons University has shown us that an engaging, real-world education doesn’t have to break the bank.”

At Hardin-Simmons, academic scholarships have been increased by an additional $2,000 per student for 2023-2024 first-time freshmen and for the second year in a row, tuition and fees will not increase at HSU. 

This year HSU anticipates announcing its third consecutive year of operating profits. The cumulative profit across these three years will exceed $10,000,000. The school is enjoying its greatest level of financial success since the 1960s. The university is cautiously optimistic about the upward trend of applicants, admits, and deposits for the next academic year, bucking the national trend of decreases in university enrollments.   

About Colleges of Distinction 

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors.