Business Administration, Management and Operations at Hardin-Simmons University

Hardin-Simmons graduates earn roughly $10,000 less than the typical Texas business graduate and land in the bottom quarter nationally. That first-year salary of $35,582 sits $8,500 below the state median of $44,084, and the gap only widens when you look at top Texas programs—UT Austin grads start at nearly double. For a family evaluating in-state options, this is a meaningful difference that compounds over time.

The debt picture offers modest relief: at $24,290, it's essentially the Texas median and slightly below national averages. The 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry about eight months of gross salary in loans—manageable but not exceptional. The real challenge is the earnings trajectory. Starting at $35,582 leaves little cushion for student loan payments, rent, and building savings, especially in a field where peers at comparable Texas institutions are earning significantly more.

For families considering this program, understand that you're paying private university tuition for outcomes that lag well behind other Texas options. Unless there are compelling reasons tied to Hardin-Simmons specifically—strong alumni connections in West Texas, particular program features, or significant financial aid that brings net cost below state schools—the ROI doesn't justify the investment when UT Arlington, Texas State, or even regional public universities deliver better earnings at lower cost.