University of the Incarnate Word vs Hardin-Simmons University: which has better ROI?
University of the Incarnate Word has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $91,100 in 10.9 years versus 12.2 years at Hardin-Simmons University, on median earnings of $56,733 vs $54,771 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of the Incarnate Word | Hardin-Simmons University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,775 | $19,555 |
| Total net cost | $91,100 | $78,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,733 | $54,771 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $24,711 |
| Payback | 10.9 yrs | 12.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $76,360 | $50,000 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of the Incarnate Word or Hardin-Simmons University?
Hardin-Simmons University, at $19,555 a year after aid versus $22,775 — a gap of $3,220 a year, or $12,880 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 the Incarnate Word or Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn more?
University of the Incarnate Word graduates report a median $56,733 ten years after entry, $1,962 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 the Incarnate Word or Hardin-Simmons University?
Hardin-Simmons University: its completers carry a median $24,711 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of the Incarnate Word, a difference of $2,289. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at University of the Incarnate Word, 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.