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Head-to-head comparison

University of the Incarnate Word vs Hardin-Simmons University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, San Antonio TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Abilene TX

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A San Antonio, TX

University of the Incarnate Word

Net price / year
$22,775
Earnings, 10 years
$56,733
Payback
10.9 yrs

Option B Abilene, TX

Hardin-Simmons University

Net price / year
$19,555
Earnings, 10 years
$54,771
Payback
12.2 yrs
The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of the Incarnate WordHardin-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
Payback10.9 yrs12.2 yrs
20-year net return$76,360$50,000

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

University of the Incarnate Word vs Hardin-Simmons University: frequently asked questions

Is University of the Incarnate Word or Hardin-Simmons University a better value?
University of the Incarnate Word. It clears its $91,100 net cost in about 10.9 years versus 12.2 years at Hardin-Simmons University, on median earnings of $56,733 vs $54,771 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of the Incarnate Word or Hardin-Simmons University?
Hardin-Simmons University: $19,555/yr net price after aid versus $22,775/yr at University of the Incarnate Word — a difference of $3,220 a year, or about $12,880 over four years.
Do University of the Incarnate Word or Hardin-Simmons University graduates earn more?
University of the Incarnate Word graduates earn a median $56,733 ten years after entry, versus $54,771 at Hardin-Simmons University — a $1,962 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.