Education at Hardin-Simmons University

In Texas, education graduates at similar schools typically earn around $49,000 their first year—well above the national median of $38,660 for bachelor's-level educators. The estimated $27,000 debt burden here aligns closely with what education majors at comparable institutions carry, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that suggests manageable repayment within a reasonable timeframe.

What's worth noting is how Texas educators generally start stronger financially than their counterparts elsewhere. Peer programs across the state show first-year earnings consistently in the mid-$40,000s to upper $50,000s, with the top programs reaching $57,000. Teachers in Texas benefit from the state's relatively healthy K-12 job market and competitive starting salaries, which helps explain why similar programs produce better outcomes than the national baseline.

The key question is whether Hardin-Simmons specifically can deliver on these state-level expectations. With a 97% admission rate and Pell grant enrollment of 38%, the university serves a broad student population. If this program produces outcomes consistent with other Texas education programs, the financial picture appears solid for teaching careers. However, since these figures are drawn from peer institutions rather than Hardin-Simmons' own graduates, confirm the school's teacher certification pass rates and employment placement before committing—those concrete metrics matter more than estimated earnings when your child's career launch is on the line.