Student Achievement - Hardin-Simmons University
Source: https://www.hsutx.edu/about-hsu/student-achievement
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:27
Student Achievement - Hardin-Simmons University
Home
About HSU
Student Achievement
Student Achievement
Hardin-Simmons University sets goals for student achievement consistent with the mission of the university: “The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.” The university’s statement of purpose includes a commitment to academic excellence while affirming the relevance and importance of the Christian faith.
Hardin-Simmons University evaluates success with respect to student achievement using a variety of metrics that include (1) retention of first-time freshman, (2) graduation rates, (3) state licensure pass-rates, (4) certifications in selected programs, (5) satisfactory academic progress of financial aid recipients, and (6) course completion rates.
Retention of First-Time Freshman
Essential to improving graduation rates, an important measure of student achievement is retention. The university cannot graduate students it does not retain. The threshold of acceptability for fall-to-fall retention, chosen because the university wants to be improving over time, is Hardin-Simmons University’s own ten-year average, which is 66.8%. Its goal is 70%, the average retention reported by the eight peer institutions the university is using as its benchmark: Dallas Baptist University, East Texas Baptist University, Houston Christian University, LeTourneau University, Lubbock Christian University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Texas Lutheran University, and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
HSU’s Peer Institutions
are eight private, not-for-profit institutions in Texas and Oklahoma (the two states from which HSU draws most of its students) with a Christian mission and an enrollment between 1,000 and 4,999 (an IPEDS enrollment category).
Retention Figures for First-Time Freshman –
Fall to Spring
Academic Year
Headcount
in Fall
Headcount
in Spring
# Lost
Persistence Rate
2014-2015
339
296
43
87.3%
2015-2016
411
373
38
90.8%
2016-2017
392
349
43
89.0%
2017-2018
454
396
58
87.2%
2018-2019
480
407
73
84.8%
2019-2020
479
429
50
89.6%
2020-2021
450
360
90
80.0%
2021-2022
388
322
66
83.0%
2022-2023
349
280
69
80.2%
2023-2024
353
303
50
85.8%
Retention Figures for First-Time Freshman –
Fall to Fall
Academic Year
Headcount
in Fall
Headcount
Next Fall
# Lost
Retention Rate
2014-2015
339
230
109
67.8%
2015-2016
411
293
118
71.3%
2016-2017
392
293
99
74.7%
2017-2018
454
307
147
67.6%
2018-2019
480
320
160
66.7%
2019-2020
479
311
168
64.9%
2020-2021
450
282
168
62.7%
2021-2022
388
248
140
63.9%
2022-2023
349
228
121
65.3%
2023-2024
353
229
124
64.9%
Graduation Rates
The 6-year graduation rate is Hardin-Simmons University’s
key student completion indicator
. The university’s 10-year average of 52% is higher than the ten-year average of its peers, which is 49%. It is the ten-year average of its peers that the university considers to be its minimum threshold of acceptability. (The 10-year average of 6-year graduation rates among its peer institutions range from a low of 38% to a high of 58%.) The university has been above the 49% threshold since the 2012 cohort and is trending higher. The university’s recently revised goal of 58% is 0.1% above the 6-year graduation rate of the 2016 cohort, the last cohort for which a 6-year graduation rate is available.
Graduation Rates
Cohort Year
Retention Fall to Fall
Four-Year Graduation Rate
Six-Year Graduation Rate
2014
67.8%
43.1%
55.5%
2015
71.3%
40.4%
51.6%
2016
74.7%
46.9%
57.9%
2017
67.6%
38.8%
49.6%
2018
66.7%
36.7%
46.0%
2019
64.9%
36.1%
2020
62.7%
30.0%
2021
63.9%
2
022
65.3%
2023
64.9%
State Licensure Pass Rates
State licensure examination pass rates and certifications are another means of evaluating student achievement. The University collects data on several programs that require licensure, including (a) the Doctor of Physical Therapy, (b) Master of Physician Assistant Studies, (c) the B.S.N. Degree in Nursing, and (d) the B.B.A. in Accounting.
a. Doctor of Physical Therapy
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the national average. The university mission of providing excellence in education requires above-average passage rates.
Goal:
A passage rate for each cohort at or above the average passage rate over the previous 5-years, to demonstrate consistent improvement.
# Admitted
# Graduated
Passed Licensure on 1st Attempt
Ultimately Passed Licensure
Class of 2019
28
28
26/28 = 93%
28/28 = 100%
Class of 2020
28
27
27/27 = 100%
27/27 = 100%
Class of 2021
40
39
35/39 = 90%
39/39 = 100%
Class of 2022
40
36
35/36 = 97%
36/36 = 100%
Class of 2023
40
38
34/38 = 89%
38/38 = 100%
AVERAGE
35
34
93.5%
100%
National Avg.
91.06%
98.2%
b. Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the national average. The university mission of providing excellence in education requires above-average passage rates.
Goal:
A passage rate for each cohort at or above the average passage rate over the previous 5-years, to demonstrate consistent improvement.
Number of Students
HSU First Time Taker Pass Rate
National First Time Taker Pass Rate
Class of 2019
29
100%
93%
Class of 2020
31
100%
95%
Class of 2021
28
96%
93%
Class of 2022
28
100%
92%
Class of 2023
29
93%
92%
Five Year First-Time Taker Average Pass Rate:
HSU PA Program
97%
Five Year First-Time Taker Average Pass Rate:
National
95%
c. B.S.N. in Nursing
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the national average. The university mission of providing excellence in education requires above-average passage rates.
Goal:
A passage rate for each cohort at or above the average passage rate over the previous 5-years, to demonstrate consistent improvement.
Nursing Pass Rates
Year
Board of Nursing
Approval Status
NCLEX-RN®
Exam Pass Rate
Number of First-Time Candidates
(Passed/Total)
2019
Full
90.9%
10/11
2020
Full
100%
17/17
2021
Full
83.3%
15/18
2022
Full
82.14%
23/28
2023
Full
96%
23/24
Average Pass Rate
89.8%
5
-yr
N
at’l Avg.
83.4%
d. B.B.A. in Accounting
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the average of its peer institutions in Texas. The university mission of providing excellence in education requires above-average passage rates.
Goal:
A passage rate for each cohort at or above the average passage rate over the previous 5-years, to demonstrate consistent improvement.
Texas CPA Exam: Percentage of Sections Passed
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
5-yr avg
Hardin-Simmons University
56.0%
55.0%
53.9%
16.67%†
50.00%
52.48%
Peer Institutions in Texas*
39.3%
48.5%
43.8%
40.25%
41.43%
42.82%
*DBU, ETBU, HBU (now HCU), UMHB, LeT, LCU, TLU
†Graduates of HSU took only 7 sections of the exam in 2022, and chance may have skewed results.
Certifications in Selected Programs
State certifications are another means of evaluating student achievement. Teacher certifications are especially helpful, since they cover not just the field of Education, but a number of other disciplines in which teacher certifications are sought.
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the “Accreditation Status” requirements set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Currently, those are 85% for the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility exam (the last item in each of the tables below) and 75% for the content exams.
Goal:
100%, a goal often achieved. With 2 exceptions, pass rates have varied from 100% by no more than a single student in any of the tests over the last 5 years.
2020
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Art EC-12
2
2
100%
Core Subjects EC-6
15
14
93.3%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
1
1
100%
History 7-12
2
2
100%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Music EC-12
1
1
100%
Physical Education EC-12
2
2
100%
Reading Specialist
2
2
100%
School Counselor
2
2
100%
Science 4-8
1
0
0%
Social Studies 7-12
2
2
100%
Superintendent
1
1
100%
Theatre EC-12
2
2
100%
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
34
30
88.2%
2021
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Core Subjects EC-6
8
7
87.5%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
1
1
100%
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
6
6
100%
History 7-12
1
1
100%
LOTE: Spanish
1
0
0%
Mathematics 4-8
3
3
100%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Music EC-12
3
3
100%
Reading Specialist
1
1
100%
School Counselor
2
2
100%
Science of Teaching Reading
4
4
100%
Social Studies 7-12
2
1
50%
Superintendent
2
2
100%
Theatre EC-12
4
4
100%
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
25
24
96%
2022
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Art EC-12
1
1
100%
Core Subjects EC-6
12
12
100%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
5
5
100%
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
10
10
100%
History 7-12
2
1
50%
Life Science 7-12
4
2
50%
Mathematics 4-8
2
2
100%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Music EC-12
1
1
100%
Physical Education EC-12
1
1
100%
Reading Specialist
1
1
100%
Science of Teaching Reading
14
14
100%
Social Studies 7-12
1
1
100%
Special Education Supplemental
3
3
100%
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
29
29
100%
2023
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Core Subjects EC-6
5
5
100%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
1
1
100%
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
2
2
100%
History 7-12
1
1
100%
Life Science 7-12
1
1
100%
Mathematics 4-8
1
0
0%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Physical Education EC-12
1
1
100%
Science of Teaching Reading
4
4
100%
Social Studies 7-12
5
2
40%
Special Education Supplemental
1
1
100%
Superintendent
1
1
100%
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
17
17
100%
2024
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Core Subjects EC-6
8
7
87.5%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
2
2
100%
English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4-8
1
1
100%
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
1
1
100%
History 7-12
1
1
100%
Life Science 7-12
3
3
100%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Music EC-12
1
0
0%
Science of Teaching Reading
6
5
83.3%
Social Studies 7-12
1
0
0%
Special Education Supplemental
1
1
100%
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
20
18
90%
Satisfactory Academic Progress of Financial Aid Recipients
Hardin-Simmons University participates in the Title IV federal student aid programs and was approved for Recertification for Eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs on July 10, 2019. Approval was based on confirmation of Hardin-Simmons University’s academic and administrative capability, as required by 34 CFR 600 Subpart A and 34 CFR 668.16 of the Title IV regulations. As a Title IV participant, Hardin-Simmons University considers a student’s quantitative and qualitative progress when evaluating student success.
In compliance with the Title IV federal programs, the Hardin-Simmons University Office of Financial Aid monitors the academic progress of student financial aid recipients (Satisfactory Academic Progress; see table below). The 2019 Recertification of Eligibility and recent audits confirm that we are administering this Title IV requirement correctly.
Hardin-Simmons University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for Title IV aid, described in the university catalogs, includes quantitative (course completion) and qualitative (cumulative grade point average) requirements as noted in the table below:
Satisfactory Academic Progress*
Credits Attempted
GPA
Completion Percentage
UG 6-32
1.60
75%
UG 33-48
1.80
75%
UG 49+
2.0
75%
GR/DR
2.0
67%
*Explanation: An undergraduate (UG) student with 6-32 attempted credits will need at least a 1.6 GPA and 75% completion rate to be eligible. UG with 33-48 hours, 1.8 GPA and 75% completion. UG with 49 and more will need a 2.0 GPA and 75% completion. Graduate and Doctoral students need a minimum 2.0 GPA and 67% completion to remain eligible.
Each institution establishes their own SAP policy within the guidelines outlined in 34 CFR 668.34. Institutions may have a graduated standard or fixed standard for evaluating grade point average or pace, or both.
Students are expected to complete their degree pursuits within a maximum timeframe, including transfer hours earned as well as institutional attempted hours. Students may not receive financial assistance beyond 150% of degree program requirements.
The Hardin-Simmons University Office of Financial Aid checks SAP immediately after grades are posted for each payment period (Summer, Fall, and Spring). Students in violation of the above referenced standards are notified by email of the deficiency and the student’s SAP status is coded into the student information system to prevent awarding and disbursement of Title IV funds. Students can appeal the violation if they have mitigating circumstances as described in 34 CFR 668.34 that contributed to their academic performance.
It is important also to note that financial aid funds are not disbursed until a student’s actual enrollment status in Title IV eligible courses (full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, less-than-half-time) is confirmed at the end of the add/drop period. Financial aid funds are also returned as described in 34 CFR 668.22 if a student withdraws from all classes prior to completing 60% of the payment period (semester).
Course Completion Rates
The university uses
our internal data
to monitor course completion rates, DFW rates, and other metrics for every course delivered in every term. The dashboards are available to academic deans, program directors, and any interested faculty.
Threshold of acceptability:
A completion rate of 75% or higher as required by financial aid for satisfactory academic progress.
Goal:
A completion rate of 85% or higher to minimize retention and time-to-degree issues without creating any incentives to sacrifice rigor.
Courses often taken to meet general education requirements have had the following completion rates over the last five years.
Fine Arts
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
ART1300
Intro to the Visual Arts
94.8%
95.5%
94.9%
95.5%
88.0%
MUHL1301
Music Appreciation
94.7%
90.2%
97.1%
95.5%
97.9%
THEA1333
Introduction to Theatre
94.1%
85.0%
75.0%
100.0%
96.3%
Christian Studies
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
BIBL1301
Old Testament Survey
92.0%
86.6%
85.6%
90.3%
91.5%
BIBL1302
New Testament Survey
92.1%
91.7%
87.1%
88.7%
90.5%
RELI2345
Religious & Philosophical Life
97.9%
94.3%
92.4%
94.5%
97.2%
Life Sciences
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
BIOL1301
Modern Concepts in Biology
96.9%
92.3%
88.2%
89.2%
86.2%
BIOL1401
Life Science
96.7%
88.5%
77.4%
93.9%
96.7%
ENVS1311
Intro to Environmental Science
96.2%
96.4%
87.0%
90.6%
91.0%
Physical Sciences
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
CHEM1401
Essentials of Chemistry I
98.9%
95.9%
97.4%
95.0%
96.3%
GEOL1303
Physical Geology
99.1%
97.8%
100.0%
91.1%
96.6%
GEOL2303
Natural Hazards
98.6%
97.6%
94.1%
93.3%
95.6%
Oral & Written Communication
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
BSAD1301
Business Writing
97.5%
84.2%
90.5%
83.1%
87.5%
COMM1301
Speech Communication
93.7%
87.1%
82.3%
89.6%
91.5%
ENGL1301
Freshmen Writing I
95.3%
94.3%
93.9%
93.7%
86.6%
ENGL3300
Writing as Discovery
98.3%
96.1%
94.0%
96.7%
96.5%
Humanities
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
ENGL2300
Sophomore Literature
97.8%
95.2%
91.6%
94.3%
90.4%
HIST1300
Making US History
92.0%
83.2%
89.8%
85.9%
86.3%
PHIL2350
Introduction to Philosophy
83.3%
100.0%
66.7%
75.0%
Social Sciences
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
ECON1330
Intro to Economics
89.7%
82.8%
92.5%
90.5%
91.2%
POLS1302
American Government
97.9%
87.8%
97.4%
94.0%
94.4%
PSYC1301
Intro to Psychology
91.2%
95.0%
85.8%
85.8%
92.1%
SOCI1301
Intro to Sociology
95.4%
92.8%
98.9%
100.0%
98.8%
Mathematics
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
MATH1301
Aspects of Modern Math
81.9%
91.6%
88.5%
89.9%
95.9%
MATH1310
College Algebra
87.0%
82.5%
83.0%
79.4%
80.0%
Home
About HSU
Student Achievement
Student Achievement
Hardin-Simmons University sets goals for student achievement consistent with the mission of the university: “The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values.” The university’s statement of purpose includes a commitment to academic excellence while affirming the relevance and importance of the Christian faith.
Hardin-Simmons University evaluates success with respect to student achievement using a variety of metrics that include (1) retention of first-time freshman, (2) graduation rates, (3) state licensure pass-rates, (4) certifications in selected programs, (5) satisfactory academic progress of financial aid recipients, and (6) course completion rates.
Retention of First-Time Freshman
Essential to improving graduation rates, an important measure of student achievement is retention. The university cannot graduate students it does not retain. The threshold of acceptability for fall-to-fall retention, chosen because the university wants to be improving over time, is Hardin-Simmons University’s own ten-year average, which is 66.8%. Its goal is 70%, the average retention reported by the eight peer institutions the university is using as its benchmark: Dallas Baptist University, East Texas Baptist University, Houston Christian University, LeTourneau University, Lubbock Christian University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Texas Lutheran University, and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
HSU’s Peer Institutions
are eight private, not-for-profit institutions in Texas and Oklahoma (the two states from which HSU draws most of its students) with a Christian mission and an enrollment between 1,000 and 4,999 (an IPEDS enrollment category).
Retention Figures for First-Time Freshman –
Fall to Spring
Academic Year
Headcount
in Fall
Headcount
in Spring
# Lost
Persistence Rate
2014-2015
339
296
43
87.3%
2015-2016
411
373
38
90.8%
2016-2017
392
349
43
89.0%
2017-2018
454
396
58
87.2%
2018-2019
480
407
73
84.8%
2019-2020
479
429
50
89.6%
2020-2021
450
360
90
80.0%
2021-2022
388
322
66
83.0%
2022-2023
349
280
69
80.2%
2023-2024
353
303
50
85.8%
Retention Figures for First-Time Freshman –
Fall to Fall
Academic Year
Headcount
in Fall
Headcount
Next Fall
# Lost
Retention Rate
2014-2015
339
230
109
67.8%
2015-2016
411
293
118
71.3%
2016-2017
392
293
99
74.7%
2017-2018
454
307
147
67.6%
2018-2019
480
320
160
66.7%
2019-2020
479
311
168
64.9%
2020-2021
450
282
168
62.7%
2021-2022
388
248
140
63.9%
2022-2023
349
228
121
65.3%
2023-2024
353
229
124
64.9%
Graduation Rates
The 6-year graduation rate is Hardin-Simmons University’s
key student completion indicator
. The university’s 10-year average of 52% is higher than the ten-year average of its peers, which is 49%. It is the ten-year average of its peers that the university considers to be its minimum threshold of acceptability. (The 10-year average of 6-year graduation rates among its peer institutions range from a low of 38% to a high of 58%.) The university has been above the 49% threshold since the 2012 cohort and is trending higher. The university’s recently revised goal of 58% is 0.1% above the 6-year graduation rate of the 2016 cohort, the last cohort for which a 6-year graduation rate is available.
Graduation Rates
Cohort Year
Retention Fall to Fall
Four-Year Graduation Rate
Six-Year Graduation Rate
2014
67.8%
43.1%
55.5%
2015
71.3%
40.4%
51.6%
2016
74.7%
46.9%
57.9%
2017
67.6%
38.8%
49.6%
2018
66.7%
36.7%
46.0%
2019
64.9%
36.1%
2020
62.7%
30.0%
2021
63.9%
2
022
65.3%
2023
64.9%
State Licensure Pass Rates
State licensure examination pass rates and certifications are another means of evaluating student achievement. The University collects data on several programs that require licensure, including (a) the Doctor of Physical Therapy, (b) Master of Physician Assistant Studies, (c) the B.S.N. Degree in Nursing, and (d) the B.B.A. in Accounting.
a. Doctor of Physical Therapy
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the national average. The university mission of providing excellence in education requires above-average passage rates.
Goal:
A passage rate for each cohort at or above the average passage rate over the previous 5-years, to demonstrate consistent improvement.
# Admitted
# Graduated
Passed Licensure on 1st Attempt
Ultimately Passed Licensure
Class of 2019
28
28
26/28 = 93%
28/28 = 100%
Class of 2020
28
27
27/27 = 100%
27/27 = 100%
Class of 2021
40
39
35/39 = 90%
39/39 = 100%
Class of 2022
40
36
35/36 = 97%
36/36 = 100%
Class of 2023
40
38
34/38 = 89%
38/38 = 100%
AVERAGE
35
34
93.5%
100%
National Avg.
91.06%
98.2%
b. Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the national average. The university mission of providing excellence in education requires above-average passage rates.
Goal:
A passage rate for each cohort at or above the average passage rate over the previous 5-years, to demonstrate consistent improvement.
Number of Students
HSU First Time Taker Pass Rate
National First Time Taker Pass Rate
Class of 2019
29
100%
93%
Class of 2020
31
100%
95%
Class of 2021
28
96%
93%
Class of 2022
28
100%
92%
Class of 2023
29
93%
92%
Five Year First-Time Taker Average Pass Rate:
HSU PA Program
97%
Five Year First-Time Taker Average Pass Rate:
National
95%
c. B.S.N. in Nursing
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the national average. The university mission of providing excellence in education requires above-average passage rates.
Goal:
A passage rate for each cohort at or above the average passage rate over the previous 5-years, to demonstrate consistent improvement.
Nursing Pass Rates
Year
Board of Nursing
Approval Status
NCLEX-RN®
Exam Pass Rate
Number of First-Time Candidates
(Passed/Total)
2019
Full
90.9%
10/11
2020
Full
100%
17/17
2021
Full
83.3%
15/18
2022
Full
82.14%
23/28
2023
Full
96%
23/24
Average Pass Rate
89.8%
5
-yr
N
at’l Avg.
83.4%
d. B.B.A. in Accounting
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the average of its peer institutions in Texas. The university mission of providing excellence in education requires above-average passage rates.
Goal:
A passage rate for each cohort at or above the average passage rate over the previous 5-years, to demonstrate consistent improvement.
Texas CPA Exam: Percentage of Sections Passed
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
5-yr avg
Hardin-Simmons University
56.0%
55.0%
53.9%
16.67%†
50.00%
52.48%
Peer Institutions in Texas*
39.3%
48.5%
43.8%
40.25%
41.43%
42.82%
*DBU, ETBU, HBU (now HCU), UMHB, LeT, LCU, TLU
†Graduates of HSU took only 7 sections of the exam in 2022, and chance may have skewed results.
Certifications in Selected Programs
State certifications are another means of evaluating student achievement. Teacher certifications are especially helpful, since they cover not just the field of Education, but a number of other disciplines in which teacher certifications are sought.
Threshold of acceptability:
A passage rate at or above the “Accreditation Status” requirements set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Currently, those are 85% for the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility exam (the last item in each of the tables below) and 75% for the content exams.
Goal:
100%, a goal often achieved. With 2 exceptions, pass rates have varied from 100% by no more than a single student in any of the tests over the last 5 years.
2020
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Art EC-12
2
2
100%
Core Subjects EC-6
15
14
93.3%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
1
1
100%
History 7-12
2
2
100%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Music EC-12
1
1
100%
Physical Education EC-12
2
2
100%
Reading Specialist
2
2
100%
School Counselor
2
2
100%
Science 4-8
1
0
0%
Social Studies 7-12
2
2
100%
Superintendent
1
1
100%
Theatre EC-12
2
2
100%
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
34
30
88.2%
2021
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Core Subjects EC-6
8
7
87.5%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
1
1
100%
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
6
6
100%
History 7-12
1
1
100%
LOTE: Spanish
1
0
0%
Mathematics 4-8
3
3
100%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Music EC-12
3
3
100%
Reading Specialist
1
1
100%
School Counselor
2
2
100%
Science of Teaching Reading
4
4
100%
Social Studies 7-12
2
1
50%
Superintendent
2
2
100%
Theatre EC-12
4
4
100%
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
25
24
96%
2022
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Art EC-12
1
1
100%
Core Subjects EC-6
12
12
100%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
5
5
100%
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
10
10
100%
History 7-12
2
1
50%
Life Science 7-12
4
2
50%
Mathematics 4-8
2
2
100%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Music EC-12
1
1
100%
Physical Education EC-12
1
1
100%
Reading Specialist
1
1
100%
Science of Teaching Reading
14
14
100%
Social Studies 7-12
1
1
100%
Special Education Supplemental
3
3
100%
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
29
29
100%
2023
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Core Subjects EC-6
5
5
100%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
1
1
100%
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
2
2
100%
History 7-12
1
1
100%
Life Science 7-12
1
1
100%
Mathematics 4-8
1
0
0%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Physical Education EC-12
1
1
100%
Science of Teaching Reading
4
4
100%
Social Studies 7-12
5
2
40%
Special Education Supplemental
1
1
100%
Superintendent
1
1
100%
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
17
17
100%
2024
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Core Subjects EC-6
8
7
87.5%
English Language Arts and Reading 7-12
2
2
100%
English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4-8
1
1
100%
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
1
1
100%
History 7-12
1
1
100%
Life Science 7-12
3
3
100%
Mathematics 7-12
1
1
100%
Music EC-12
1
0
0%
Science of Teaching Reading
6
5
83.3%
Social Studies 7-12
1
0
0%
Special Education Supplemental
1
1
100%
Certification Description
Tests Taken
Tests Passed
Pass Rate
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12
20
18
90%
Satisfactory Academic Progress of Financial Aid Recipients
Hardin-Simmons University participates in the Title IV federal student aid programs and was approved for Recertification for Eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs on July 10, 2019. Approval was based on confirmation of Hardin-Simmons University’s academic and administrative capability, as required by 34 CFR 600 Subpart A and 34 CFR 668.16 of the Title IV regulations. As a Title IV participant, Hardin-Simmons University considers a student’s quantitative and qualitative progress when evaluating student success.
In compliance with the Title IV federal programs, the Hardin-Simmons University Office of Financial Aid monitors the academic progress of student financial aid recipients (Satisfactory Academic Progress; see table below). The 2019 Recertification of Eligibility and recent audits confirm that we are administering this Title IV requirement correctly.
Hardin-Simmons University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for Title IV aid, described in the university catalogs, includes quantitative (course completion) and qualitative (cumulative grade point average) requirements as noted in the table below:
Satisfactory Academic Progress*
Credits Attempted
GPA
Completion Percentage
UG 6-32
1.60
75%
UG 33-48
1.80
75%
UG 49+
2.0
75%
GR/DR
2.0
67%
*Explanation: An undergraduate (UG) student with 6-32 attempted credits will need at least a 1.6 GPA and 75% completion rate to be eligible. UG with 33-48 hours, 1.8 GPA and 75% completion. UG with 49 and more will need a 2.0 GPA and 75% completion. Graduate and Doctoral students need a minimum 2.0 GPA and 67% completion to remain eligible.
Each institution establishes their own SAP policy within the guidelines outlined in 34 CFR 668.34. Institutions may have a graduated standard or fixed standard for evaluating grade point average or pace, or both.
Students are expected to complete their degree pursuits within a maximum timeframe, including transfer hours earned as well as institutional attempted hours. Students may not receive financial assistance beyond 150% of degree program requirements.
The Hardin-Simmons University Office of Financial Aid checks SAP immediately after grades are posted for each payment period (Summer, Fall, and Spring). Students in violation of the above referenced standards are notified by email of the deficiency and the student’s SAP status is coded into the student information system to prevent awarding and disbursement of Title IV funds. Students can appeal the violation if they have mitigating circumstances as described in 34 CFR 668.34 that contributed to their academic performance.
It is important also to note that financial aid funds are not disbursed until a student’s actual enrollment status in Title IV eligible courses (full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, less-than-half-time) is confirmed at the end of the add/drop period. Financial aid funds are also returned as described in 34 CFR 668.22 if a student withdraws from all classes prior to completing 60% of the payment period (semester).
Course Completion Rates
The university uses
our internal data
to monitor course completion rates, DFW rates, and other metrics for every course delivered in every term. The dashboards are available to academic deans, program directors, and any interested faculty.
Threshold of acceptability:
A completion rate of 75% or higher as required by financial aid for satisfactory academic progress.
Goal:
A completion rate of 85% or higher to minimize retention and time-to-degree issues without creating any incentives to sacrifice rigor.
Courses often taken to meet general education requirements have had the following completion rates over the last five years.
Fine Arts
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
ART1300
Intro to the Visual Arts
94.8%
95.5%
94.9%
95.5%
88.0%
MUHL1301
Music Appreciation
94.7%
90.2%
97.1%
95.5%
97.9%
THEA1333
Introduction to Theatre
94.1%
85.0%
75.0%
100.0%
96.3%
Christian Studies
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
BIBL1301
Old Testament Survey
92.0%
86.6%
85.6%
90.3%
91.5%
BIBL1302
New Testament Survey
92.1%
91.7%
87.1%
88.7%
90.5%
RELI2345
Religious & Philosophical Life
97.9%
94.3%
92.4%
94.5%
97.2%
Life Sciences
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
BIOL1301
Modern Concepts in Biology
96.9%
92.3%
88.2%
89.2%
86.2%
BIOL1401
Life Science
96.7%
88.5%
77.4%
93.9%
96.7%
ENVS1311
Intro to Environmental Science
96.2%
96.4%
87.0%
90.6%
91.0%
Physical Sciences
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
CHEM1401
Essentials of Chemistry I
98.9%
95.9%
97.4%
95.0%
96.3%
GEOL1303
Physical Geology
99.1%
97.8%
100.0%
91.1%
96.6%
GEOL2303
Natural Hazards
98.6%
97.6%
94.1%
93.3%
95.6%
Oral & Written Communication
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
BSAD1301
Business Writing
97.5%
84.2%
90.5%
83.1%
87.5%
COMM1301
Speech Communication
93.7%
87.1%
82.3%
89.6%
91.5%
ENGL1301
Freshmen Writing I
95.3%
94.3%
93.9%
93.7%
86.6%
ENGL3300
Writing as Discovery
98.3%
96.1%
94.0%
96.7%
96.5%
Humanities
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
ENGL2300
Sophomore Literature
97.8%
95.2%
91.6%
94.3%
90.4%
HIST1300
Making US History
92.0%
83.2%
89.8%
85.9%
86.3%
PHIL2350
Introduction to Philosophy
83.3%
100.0%
66.7%
75.0%
Social Sciences
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
ECON1330
Intro to Economics
89.7%
82.8%
92.5%
90.5%
91.2%
POLS1302
American Government
97.9%
87.8%
97.4%
94.0%
94.4%
PSYC1301
Intro to Psychology
91.2%
95.0%
85.8%
85.8%
92.1%
SOCI1301
Intro to Sociology
95.4%
92.8%
98.9%
100.0%
98.8%
Mathematics
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
MATH1301
Aspects of Modern Math
81.9%
91.6%
88.5%
89.9%
95.9%
MATH1310
College Algebra
87.0%
82.5%
83.0%
79.4%
80.0%