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Hardin-Simmons University vs Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Abilene TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Addison TX

The verdict

Hardin-Simmons University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,220 in 12.2 years versus 12.9 years at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online, on median earnings of $54,771 vs $55,736 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureHardin-Simmons UniversityAbilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online
Net price / yr$19,555$23,698
Total net cost$78,220$94,792
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,771$55,736
Median debt$24,711$24,250
Payback12.2 yrs12.9 yrs
20-year net return$50,000$52,728

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Hardin-Simmons University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online?

Hardin-Simmons University, at $19,555 a year after aid versus $23,698 — a gap of $4,143 a year, or $16,572 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Hardin-Simmons University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates earn more?

Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates report a median $55,736 ten years after entry, $965 more than the $54,771 at Hardin-Simmons University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Hardin-Simmons University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online?

Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $24,711 at Hardin-Simmons University, a difference of $461. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Hardin-Simmons University vs Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online: frequently asked questions

Is Hardin-Simmons University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online a better value?
Hardin-Simmons University. It clears its $78,220 net cost in about 12.2 years versus 12.9 years at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online, on median earnings of $54,771 vs $55,736 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Hardin-Simmons University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online?
Hardin-Simmons University: $19,555/yr net price after aid versus $23,698/yr at Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online — a difference of $4,143 a year, or about $16,572 over four years.
Do Hardin-Simmons University or Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates earn more?
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online graduates earn a median $55,736 ten years after entry, versus $54,771 at Hardin-Simmons University — a $965 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.