Sam Houston State University vs Hardin-Simmons University: which has better ROI?
Sam Houston State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $65,616 in 11.2 years versus 12.2 years at Hardin-Simmons University, on median earnings of $54,211 vs $54,771 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Sam Houston State University | Hardin-Simmons University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,404 | $19,555 |
| Total net cost | $65,616 | $78,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,211 | $54,771 |
| Median debt | $21,983 | $24,711 |
| Payback | 11.2 yrs | 12.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $51,404 | $50,000 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Sam Houston State University or Hardin-Simmons University?
Sam Houston State University, at $16,404 a year after aid versus $19,555 — a gap of $3,151 a year, or $12,604 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Sam Houston State University or Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn more?
Hardin-Simmons University graduates report a median $54,771 ten years after entry, $560 more than the $54,211 at Sam Houston State 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, Sam Houston State University or Hardin-Simmons University?
Sam Houston State University: its completers carry a median $21,983 in federal loans versus $24,711 at Hardin-Simmons University, a difference of $2,728. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at Sam Houston State 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.