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Hardin-Simmons University is a small, 4-year, private university located in Abilene, TX. The university was founded in 1892 as Simmons College with 60 students. After having five university presidents in the first 20 years, Dr. J. D. Sandefer accepted the presidency in 1909 and under his 40-year leadership, the school grew and flourished. During the Great Depression, Simmons struggled, but financial help arrived when John and Mary Hardin of Burkburnet, Texas, donated part of their fortune to the school. The Hardins’ generosity and commitment brought the university long-term stability and, in 1934, a new name: Hardin-Simmons University.
HSU has a student population of 1,742 undergraduates. The ethnic makeup is 59 percent White, 11 percent Black, 20 percent Latino, two percent Asian, three percent Two+ and three percent NR Alien. Female students make up 54 percent of the student population and 97 percent of the students are from Texas. All undergraduates live in campus housing. The most popular majors on campus are Business/Marketing, Education, Parks and Recreation, Biology and Visual and Performing Arts. A few interesting points about the university include their rare and fine book room, an observatory and that they are part of 2-member consortium (with McMurry University) comprising Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.
All HSU students participate in University Chapel and other spiritual formation experiences while on campus. There are a variety of clubs and organizations to capture just about every interest to go along with 11 NCAA Division III sports teams. The average test scores for students who have been admitted to HSU are 960-1150 on the SAT and 18-23 on the ACT. The total direct cost of attending HSU is 41,626. This doesn’t seem so bad when you consider that the average financial aid award is $32,163. The school is committed to meeting 83% of financial need.
The city of Abilene is in Taylor and Jones Counties. It is the principal city of the Abilene metropolitan statistical area, which had an estimated population of 123,420, as of 2019. The Abilene Metro area has several highly acclaimed restaurants as well as a variety of Funky Bars & Breweries and Hangout Spots. There is also a candy shop, custom western wear, a number of military history attractions, an impressive live music scene, a zoo, museums, visual and performing arts and there is even a place where you can practice your axe throwing skills.
If any of what you read above sounds interesting to you, contact Danica Gopffarth at danica.gopffarth@hsutx.edu or 325-309-5650. She can get you the additional information you need to make an informed decision about whether Hardin-Simmons University is a good fit for you.
