Howard Payne University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Brownwood, Texas with 713 undergraduates. It admits 67% of applicants, costs an average of $26,563 a year after grants and graduates 34% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Howard Payne University acceptance rate and admissions
Howard Payne University admitted 67% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 440 to 610, math 440 to 550). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Howard Payne University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $36,560 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $11,290 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $49,166 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $26,563 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $26,563 a year after grants and scholarships, $22,603 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Howard Payne University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Howard Payne University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 34% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $49,434 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $23,125 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 47% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Howard Payne University majors and what graduates earn
Howard Payne University awarded bachelor's degrees in 29 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from teacher education by subject ($56,101).
All 29 majors at Howard Payne University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher education by subject | 8 | $47,682 | $56,101 | $27,375 |
| Business administration | 10 | n/a | $54,795 | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 16 | n/a | n/a | $22,812 |
| Criminology | 11 | $44,886 | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by grade level | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Nursing | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Psychology | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Health professions, general | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Marketing | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Computer and information sciences | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Engineering Mechanics | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Legal studies | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Pastoral ministry | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Social work | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Finance | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Religious studies | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Computer engineering | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| English | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| International relations | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Management information systems | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Howard Payne University
4 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 4 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business administration | Master's | 14 | $44,355 | $20,500 |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Pastoral ministry | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 713 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 48% women, 52% men
- 10 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Howard Payne University?
Howard Payne University admitted 67% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Howard Payne University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $36,560. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $26,563 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Howard Payne University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 440 to 610 in reading and writing and 440 to 550 in math, and 16 to 27 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Howard Payne University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Howard Payne University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Howard Payne University?
34% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Howard Payne University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $49,434 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Texas · Howard Payne University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.