University of Mary Hardin-Baylor vs Hardin-Simmons University: which has better ROI?
Hardin-Simmons University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,220 in 12.2 years versus 13.4 years at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, on median earnings of $54,771 vs $56,132 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Hardin-Simmons University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $26,106 | $19,555 |
| Total net cost | $104,424 | $78,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,132 | $54,771 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $24,711 |
| Payback | 13.4 yrs | 12.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $51,016 | $50,000 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor or Hardin-Simmons University?
Hardin-Simmons University, at $19,555 a year after aid versus $26,106 — a gap of $6,551 a year, or $26,204 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Mary Hardin-Baylor or Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn more?
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor graduates report a median $56,132 ten years after entry, $1,361 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, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor or Hardin-Simmons University?
Hardin-Simmons University: its completers carry a median $24,711 in federal loans versus $26,000 at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 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?
49% of students finish at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 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.