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LeTourneau University vs Hardin-Simmons University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Longview TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Abilene 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 LeTourneau University, on median earnings of $54,771 vs $57,103 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLeTourneau UniversityHardin-Simmons University
Net price / yr$28,185$19,555
Total net cost$112,740$78,220
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,103$54,771
Median debt$26,000$24,711
Payback12.9 yrs12.2 yrs
20-year net return$62,120$50,000

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

Which is cheaper, LeTourneau University or Hardin-Simmons University?

Hardin-Simmons University, at $19,555 a year after aid versus $28,185 — a gap of $8,630 a year, or $34,520 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do LeTourneau University or Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn more?

LeTourneau University graduates report a median $57,103 ten years after entry, $2,332 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, LeTourneau University or Hardin-Simmons University?

Hardin-Simmons University: its completers carry a median $24,711 in federal loans versus $26,000 at LeTourneau University, a difference of $1,289. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

59% of students finish at LeTourneau 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.

LeTourneau University vs Hardin-Simmons University: frequently asked questions

Is LeTourneau University or Hardin-Simmons University a better value?
Hardin-Simmons University. It clears its $78,220 net cost in about 12.2 years versus 12.9 years at LeTourneau University, on median earnings of $54,771 vs $57,103 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, LeTourneau University or Hardin-Simmons University?
Hardin-Simmons University: $19,555/yr net price after aid versus $28,185/yr at LeTourneau University — a difference of $8,630 a year, or about $34,520 over four years.
Do LeTourneau University or Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn more?
LeTourneau University graduates earn a median $57,103 ten years after entry, versus $54,771 at Hardin-Simmons University — a $2,332 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.