Howard Payne University logo

Howard Payne University

Brownwood, TX · Private Nonprofit

Visit Website →
67.7%
Acceptance
960
SAT
$38,346
Sticker Price
$26,844
Net Price*
$48,376
Earnings
8 yrs
Payback
1,269
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Howard Payne University's acceptance rate?

Up 9.8 percentage points since 2018

With a 67.7% acceptance rate, Howard Payne University is considered moderately selective. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Howard Payne University?

Howard Payne University received 1,269 applications in 2023, down 19% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 24% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Howard Payne University?

Criminology leads as the most popular major at Howard Payne University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Howard Payne University?

Tuition has increased by 23% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 32% from $29,106 to $38,346.

Tuition Total Cost

How much do Howard Payne University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Business Administration, Management and Operations earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $37,568 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Business Administration, Manag... $37,568
$8,500 $106,421
Teacher Education and Professi... $33,993
$8,500 $106,421
Criminology $32,563
$8,500 $106,421
Teacher Education and Professi... $31,042
$8,500 $106,421
Health and Physical Education/... $23,649
$8,500 $106,421
This school National avg

Howard Payne University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 1,269 859 67.7% 24.3%
2022 1,233 768 62.3% 28.1%
2021 1,333 790 59.3% 29.2%
2020 1,638 795 48.5% 26.8%
2019 1,896 1,021 53.8% 24.4%
2018 1,576 913 57.9% 28.8%
2017 1,396 826 59.2% 30.6%
2016 953 836 87.7% 39.5%
2015 956 815 85.3% 34.5%

Is Howard Payne University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
Payback Period --

Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

Get a Personalized ROI Comparison

Compare net cost and ROI across your college shortlist — tailored to your family income and major.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

What do Howard Payne University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,376
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$8,400 $48,376 median $68,900

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $8,400 while the top 10% earn $68,900. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$38,212
Median Debt
$26,793
6-Year Graduation Rate
31.1%

How much does Howard Payne University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Howard Payne University is approximately $38,346 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$25,998
Fees
$3,200
Room & Board
$9,148
Total Cost of Attendance
$38,346

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $20,589
$30-48k income $22,305
$48-75k income $26,844
$75-110k income $29,620
$110k+ income $29,652

Which majors pay the most?

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations $37,568
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $33,993
  • Criminology $32,563
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $31,042
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness $23,649

Who attends Howard Payne University?

Howard Payne University enrolls 833 students. Women make up 46% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 833
Retention Rate 55%
International 0%
Women 46%
Race/Ethnicity
White 54%
Hispanic 26%
Black 9%
Asian 1%

How much financial aid is available?

91% of students receive some form of financial aid at Howard Payne University. About 42% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 91%
Avg: $18,603 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 42%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 66%
Avg: $6,107
School's Own Grants 91%
Avg: $13,800 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Howard Payne University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

Image: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)