Houston Christian University vs Hardin-Simmons University: which has better ROI?
Houston Christian University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $82,516 in 10.9 years versus 12.2 years at Hardin-Simmons University, on median earnings of $55,933 vs $54,771 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Houston Christian University | Hardin-Simmons University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,629 | $19,555 |
| Total net cost | $82,516 | $78,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,933 | $54,771 |
| Median debt | $22,642 | $24,711 |
| Payback | 10.9 yrs | 12.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $68,944 | $50,000 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Houston Christian University or Hardin-Simmons University?
Hardin-Simmons University, at $19,555 a year after aid versus $20,629 — a gap of $1,074 a year, or $4,296 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Houston Christian University or Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn more?
Houston Christian University graduates report a median $55,933 ten years after entry, $1,162 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, Houston Christian University or Hardin-Simmons University?
Houston Christian University: its completers carry a median $22,642 in federal loans versus $24,711 at Hardin-Simmons University, a difference of $2,069. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
49% of students finish at Houston Christian University, against 46% at Hardin-Simmons University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.