Howard Payne University
Acceptance rate
67.4%
2025
Peer median 69.4%
Tuition per year
$34,982
$45,182 with room and board
Peer median $33,770
Undergraduates
751
Student-faculty ratio 10:1
Peer median 11 : 1
Graduation rate
22.0%
4-year; 6-year rate 32.1%
Peer median 45.1%
“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Howard Payne University (HPU) is a private Christian university located in Brownwood, Texas. Founded in 1889, HPU is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and has a rich history of providing quality education rooted in Christian values. The university's mission emphasizes the development of the whole person, aiming to foster intellectual, spiritual, and social growth among its students. HPU's motto, "The Truth Will Set You Free," reflects its commitment to academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge within a faith-based framework.
HPU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across several disciplines, including business, education, liberal arts, and sciences. The university is known for its small class sizes, which foster close relationships between students and faculty, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. With a focus on experiential learning, students have opportunities to engage in internships, research projects, and community service, enhancing their academic experience and preparing them for successful careers. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, and recreational spaces, promoting a vibrant and active student life. Additionally, HPU has a proud tradition of athletics, competing in NCAA Division III sports, which encourages teamwork and physical wellness among students. Overall, Howard Payne University stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and community engagement.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Howard Payne University
Howard Payne University has shown notable trends in several key metrics over the years, particularly in tuition fees, student retention, graduation rates, and student enrollment figures.
Firstly, the rise in tuition fees is significant, with in-state undergraduate tuition increasing from $23,200 in 2014 to $33,402 in 2024. This represents a staggering increase of approximately 44% over a decade, which raises concerns about affordability for prospective students. As tuition continues to climb, it is crucial for the university to explore financial aid opportunities to ensure that education remains accessible.
In terms of student retention, the data reflects fluctuations, with a peak retention rate of approximately 63.3% in 2016, followed by a steep decline to around 43.1% in 2020. While this rate has since improved to about 54.6% in 2023, it highlights challenges in keeping students engaged and enrolled. High retention rates are often correlated with student satisfaction and institutional support, suggesting that improvements in these areas could lead to better outcomes.
Graduation rates also reveal a mixed performance. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates was around 21.8% in 2013, peaking at approximately 37.5% in 2014. However, this rate dipped to about 22.6% in 2022 before slightly recovering to 26.1% in 2023. Such variability may indicate issues related to student support services and academic resources that need addressing to foster a culture of success.
Lastly, the number of students enrolled has seen a downward trend, dropping from 1,100 undergraduate students in 2014 to just 773 in 2023. This decline could be reflective of a broader trend in higher education, where many institutions face decreasing enrollment numbers, possibly due to demographic shifts and changing perceptions about the value of traditional college education.
In conclusion, while Howard Payne University has made strides in certain areas, the rising tuition costs, fluctuating retention and graduation rates, and declining enrollment numbers suggest that a comprehensive strategy is needed to enhance the student experience and promote institutional stability.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Remote town
- Nearest major city
- Killeen, about 90 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), about 130 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Baptist
- President
- Dr. Cory Hines (President)
- Phone
- 3256462502
- Address
- 1000 Fisk St., Brownwood, TX 76801-2794
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 56.7%, women 51.2%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Howard Payne University
The admission data for Howard Payne University reveals interesting trends over the years, reflecting changes in both male and female acceptance rates, enrollment numbers, and rejection figures. Starting from 2009, the male acceptance rate was approximately 69.1%, while the female rate was around 60.7%. This trend illustrates a relatively consistent pattern of higher acceptance rates for male applicants compared to their female counterparts, though the difference fluctuated over the years.
In 2015, Howard Payne University witnessed a peak in acceptance rates, with approximately 79.7% for males and 84.8% for females. This was a significant contrast to 2013, where rejection rates were substantially higher, indicating a more competitive admission environment. The overall enrollment numbers also varied, with a notable decrease in 2021, where only 213 students were admitted, leading to a significant rise in the number of denied applications, which reached 843 that year.
The data suggests that while the university's total enrollment has seen fluctuations, the consistent rejection figures highlight a growing competition among applicants. This can be attributed to various factors, including institutional changes, shifts in the applicant pool, and broader societal trends influencing higher education.
Overall, the trends at Howard Payne University reflect the challenges that prospective students face in achieving admission, particularly in recent years as rejection rates have spiked. As the university continues to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, it will be crucial to observe how these rates evolve in the coming years.
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 41% submitted SAT, 17% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Admission Test Scores at Howard Payne University (2007-2023)
The data from Howard Payne University over the years 2007 to 2023 reveals notable trends in standardized test scores and the percentage of applicants submitting these scores. The percentage of students submitting SAT scores peaked in 2014 and 2015 at 73%, but has seen a significant decline to just 30% in 2023. This drop could suggest a shift in applicant demographics or a broader trend in higher education where standardized testing is being de-emphasized.
Looking at the score ranges, the SAT reading and math scores have shown some fluctuations. The 25th percentile of SAT reading scores has varied between 410 and 480, while the 75th percentile has ranged from 520 to 588, indicating a relatively stable performance among higher-scoring students. The ACT scores also demonstrate variability, with the composite scores maintaining a range that reflects a competitive applicant pool.
The data shows a general decline in the number of SAT submissions over the years, particularly notable in 2018 when only 40% of applicants submitted scores. This trend might be influenced by the increasing number of institutions adopting test-optional policies, a movement accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, while Howard Payne University continues to attract a diverse range of applicants, the shifting landscape of standardized testing and admission criteria poses questions about future admissions strategies and the potential impact on student quality and diversity. The university's response to these trends will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge in higher education.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 7 in 10
1,189 applicants in 2025, 67.4% admitted
801 admitted 388 not admitted Yield 27.0%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's11 (0% international)
- Sport and Fitness Administration/Management · Master's6 (0% international)
- Youth Ministry · Master's3 (0% international)
- Theology/Theological Studies · Master's2 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Howard Payne University
The graduation data from Howard Payne University reveals interesting trends across various fields of study for the year 2023. Notably, the Master’s degree programs exhibit a stronger performance compared to undergraduate and associate programs. For instance, the Master’s in Business Administration and Management saw a total of 23 graduates, while no Bachelor’s degrees were awarded in the same field. This discrepancy suggests a possible shift in focus towards advanced degrees, which may align with current workforce demands emphasizing higher qualifications.
In the realm of social sciences, the Criminology program graduated 14 Bachelor’s students, indicating a healthy interest in this field. However, it is noteworthy that there were no international students graduating in any Bachelor's programs, which might reflect broader trends in international education and the effects of global events on student mobility.
The absence of graduates in associate degree programs across most fields raises questions about enrollment strategies and the appeal of these programs. This could be an area for the university to investigate, particularly in light of workforce development initiatives that often prioritize associate degrees for immediate job readiness.
Furthermore, the data highlights a lack of diversity in graduation across international students, particularly in graduate programs, where no international students graduated in any categories. This could be an indication of barriers to access or a need for improved recruitment strategies targeting international students.
In summary, while Howard Payne University showcases strong graduate outcomes in specific areas, the overall low numbers in undergraduate and associate programs, particularly for international students, suggest a need for strategic adjustments to enhance enrollment and graduation rates across all levels of education.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $44,355 | |||
| Finance, General. | - | |||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | $44,886 | |||
| International Relations and Affairs. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - | |||
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - | |||
| Physical Fitness Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Music Teacher Education. | $47,682 | |||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | $47,682 | |||
| History Teacher Education. | $47,682 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | - | |||
| Missions/Missionary Studies. | - | |||
| Theology/Theological Studies. | - | |||
| Divinity/Ministry. | - | |||
| Youth Ministry. | - | |||
| Lay Ministry. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Law Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Mechanics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
Students
809 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 51:49 · Freshman retention 51.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 434
- First-year undergraduates 212
- Graduate students 58
- Transfers and others 105
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (751)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Howard Payne University in 2023
The student demographic data from Howard Payne University for 2023 reveals important insights into the composition of its student body. The data indicates that there are a total of 216 new undergraduate students, with a male representation of approximately 59.7% and females at 40.3%. This suggests a healthy gender balance, albeit with a notable predominance of male students among new enrollees.
As for the continuing undergraduate students, the total number is 449, showcasing a slight gender balance with males at 51.2% and females at 48.8%. This shift towards a more balanced ratio compared to the new students indicates a potential trend of increasing female retention or recruitment among upperclassmen.
The transfer students are significantly fewer in number, totaling 56, with a higher male representation at 57.1%. This could suggest that transferring students may lean more towards male demographics, but the small size of this group makes it difficult to draw strong conclusions.
Interestingly, the graduate student cohort, consisting of 65 individuals, shows a stark gender disparity, with males representing 73.8%. This suggests that graduate programs at Howard Payne may be attracting a significantly higher proportion of male students, which could warrant further investigation into the factors influencing this trend.
Overall, the data points to an evolving demographic landscape at Howard Payne University, with varying gender ratios across different student categories. Understanding these trends is essential for the university to develop targeted recruitment and retention strategies that promote diversity and inclusivity within its student body.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Howard Payne University
The age composition of students at Howard Payne University reveals interesting trends that reflect broader patterns in higher education demographics. The largest group of students falls within the 18-19 age bracket, comprising 55.5% of total male students and 55.7% of female students. This aligns with national trends where traditional college-aged students dominate undergraduate populations.
As students progress in age, there is a noticeable decline in numbers, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, suggesting that Howard Payne, like many universities, primarily attracts younger, traditional students. For instance, only about 12.5% of the total male and 29.4% of the total female students are between ages 25-29, further emphasizing the youthful demographic.
Interestingly, the presence of graduate students in the 22-24 age range indicates a potential trend of students pursuing further education immediately after their undergraduate studies. However, there is a significant drop-off in enrollment as students age beyond 30, where the numbers dwindle to just 11 male and 4 female students, indicating that older students may be less prevalent in this institution.
The data also highlights a gender disparity, with a higher number of female students overall, particularly in the 20-21 age bracket, where women outnumber men. This trend may reflect broader societal shifts towards increased female participation in higher education.
Overall, Howard Payne University's student age distribution illustrates a strong inclination towards younger, traditional students, with significant implications for campus culture and academic programs designed to cater to this demographic.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
2 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 1.2% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Howard Payne University
The data on international student enrollment at Howard Payne University over several years reveals notable trends and patterns. From 2005 to 2016, the number of undergraduate students remained relatively stable, hovering around 1,100 to 1,300. However, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population shows a fluctuating trend. In 2005, the proportion of international students was a modest 0.61%, but this figure experienced significant variations in the subsequent years, peaking at 1.09% in 2009 before declining again.
Interestingly, the graduate student population appears to have a more pronounced presence of international students, particularly noteworthy in 2016, where the data indicates a 1.19% enrollment rate among graduate students. This suggests that while the university has a smaller pool of international undergraduates, it attracts more diverse graduate students, possibly reflecting targeted programs or services that appeal to international applicants.
The inconsistent enrollment figures might be indicative of broader trends in international education, such as changing visa regulations, global economic conditions, and competition from other institutions. Additionally, the data highlights the importance of international students in enriching the academic environment and cultural diversity on campus. As universities continue to navigate these shifts, Howard Payne University may benefit from strategic initiatives to enhance its appeal to prospective international students, ensuring that it remains a competitive choice in the global education landscape.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$45,182
- Undergraduate tuition
- $34,982
- Room and board
- $10,200
- Graduate tuition
- $11,492
Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 37% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 36%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$36.6M
Expenses$24.9M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · American Southwest Conference
American Southwest Conference: football, basketball, baseball
| NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 135 | - |
| Soccer | 24 | 31 |
| Basketball | 24 | 19 |
| Baseball | 42 | - |
| Softball | - | 22 |
| Volleyball | - | 20 |
| Golf | 13 | 4 |
| Tennis | 9 | 6 |
| NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 128 | - |
| Soccer | 27 | 32 |
| Baseball | 45 | - |
| Basketball | 19 | 23 |
| Softball | - | 23 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Tennis | 11 | 5 |
| Golf | 13 | 2 |
| NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 131 | - |
| Soccer | 28 | 32 |
| Basketball | 23 | 22 |
| Baseball | 43 | - |
| Softball | - | 24 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Tennis | 11 | 6 |
| Golf | 13 | 1 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown · 108.0 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Baylor UniversityWaco · 110.3 mi
U.S. News #90
-
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth · 117.0 mi
U.S. News #90
-
The University of Texas at AustinAustin · 123.6 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of Texas-ArlingtonArlington · 129.9 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos · 140.6 mi
U.S. News #288
-
University of North TexasDenton · 148.8 mi
U.S. News #208
-
University of Texas-San AntonioSan Antonio · 148.9 mi
U.S. News #227
-
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas · 150.4 mi
U.S. News #85
Data insights
Here are some notable schools around Howard Payne University:
-
Southwestern University - Ranked 89th in the 2024 US News rankings, this liberal arts college offers a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a close-knit community.
-
Baylor University - With a rank of 93, Baylor is a comprehensive university known for its commitment to academic excellence and strong Christian values.
-
Texas Christian University - Ranked 98th, TCU combines a vibrant campus life with a rigorous academic environment, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
The University of Texas at Austin - A prestigious institution ranked 32nd, UT Austin is renowned for its research programs and diverse student body.
-
Southern Methodist University - With a ranking of 89, SMU offers a rich academic environment and a strong emphasis on leadership and service.
-
Rice University - Ranked 17th, Rice is a highly regarded research university known for its small class sizes and exceptional faculty.
These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and are esteemed for their academic programs and campus experiences.
Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Trends in Campus Crime at Howard Payne University
The campus crime data from Howard Payne University presents a concerning but interesting narrative regarding safety over the years. From 2013 to 2023, there has been a notable fluctuation in the crime rates per 1,000 students, with the peak occurring in 2016 at approximately 39 per 1,000 students. This spike may be attributed to various factors, including increased reporting, changes in campus security policies, or even environmental influences affecting student behavior.
Interestingly, after 2016, there seems to be a significant decline in crime rates, particularly in recent years. By 2023, the crime rate had dropped to 2.39 per 1,000 students, indicating a positive trend toward a safer campus environment. This reduction could be reflective of enhanced safety measures, community engagement initiatives, or a general improvement in the campus culture regarding personal responsibility and awareness.
Crimes such as drug-related offenses and alcohol-related incidents, which often contribute heavily to campus crime statistics, have shown a downward trajectory. This is promising, as it can lead to a more conducive learning environment. However, it is essential to continue monitoring these trends to ensure that the efforts in place are effective and that students feel safe on campus.
In conclusion, while the initial years presented challenges, the recent data indicates a successful reduction in crime at Howard Payne University, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining campus safety. For more details on calculating crime rates, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Howard Payne University include Robert E. Howard (Author, creator of Conan the Barbarian), Jeffrey Tucker (Libertarian writer and publisher) and James R. Dixon (Zoologist and professor emeritus at Texas A&M).
-
Robert E. Howard 1906–1936
Author, creator of Conan the Barbarian
-
Jeffrey Tucker 1963–
Libertarian writer and publisher
-
James R. Dixon 1928–2015
Zoologist and professor emeritus at Texas A&M
-
Coffey Anderson 1978–
Country singer-songwriter
-
Bob Young 1942–1995
AFL and NFL guard and strongman
-
Slim Harriss 1897–1963
Major League Baseball pitcher
-
J. D. Sheffield 1960–
Physician and former Texas state representative
-
Keith Crawford 1970–
Former NFL cornerback
-
Mike Mitchell 1961–
Former NFL cornerback for Redskins and Jets
More alumni (3, by field)
Politics and law
-
O. L. Bodenhamer 1891–1933
12th national commander of the American Legion
Sports
-
Ray Jacobs 1938–2021
Former AFL defensive tackle
-
Dobie Craig 1938–2018
American football player for the Oakland Raiders
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.