Hardin-Simmons University

Private · Moderately Selective · TX

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationTX · South

SettingUrban

Undergrads1,283

Student:faculty15:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate36.7%

6-yr grad rate46%

Drop-out rate35.1%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$33k

Out-of-state tuition$33k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity45.4%

Gender diversity49.6%

International3.2%

IdentityBaptist

Overview

Hardin-Simmons University is a private Baptist university in Abilene, Texas, one of three faith-affiliated universities sharing that West Texas city alongside Abilene Christian and McMurry. Its identity blends evangelical commitment with a distinct cowboy heritage, visible in campus traditions and a strong sense of regional pride tied to its ranching-country setting.

Academics

Ministry preparation runs deep through the Logsdon School of Theology, and the school of music has long been one of the university's calling cards, drawing students who want serious musical training inside a Christian liberal arts setting. Pre-health tracks are well established, sending graduates on toward nursing, pharmacy, and medical programs, while business and education round out the practical majors most students pursue.

Campus & student life

The signature campus tradition is the Six White Horses, a precision riding team of women students who perform at games and events astride matching white horses, a distinctive fixture rarely seen at American colleges. Chapel and faith life are woven into the weekly rhythm, and the campus keeps a small-town, western feel consistent with Abilene's ranching heritage.

Worth knowing

The Six White Horses program is the university's best-known distinguishing feature, requiring both horsemanship and public performance skill from the students selected for it. Sharing a mid-size city with two other religiously affiliated universities gives students some built-in cross-campus community despite the school's own modest size.

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Admissions

Acceptance rate90%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 1010–1190 · ACT 19–26

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying