Hardin-Simmons University: Scholarships for International Students

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) in Abilene, Texas, welcomes international students and offers various scholarships to help them finance their education. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarship opportunities available to international students at HSU.

Introduction

HSU strives to make education affordable for international students. After admittance, undergraduate applicants are evaluated for institutional academic scholarships. Hardin-Simmons provides equal opportunity for all students seeking scholarship funds. International students do not receive need-based aid, but are eligible for merit scholarships.

Merit-Based Academic Scholarships

Hardin-Simmons University offers different scholarships to high achieving international students who desire to study in the United States at their Abilene, Texas campus. The scholarships are open to all international students who receive admission to the university.

Academic scholarships are automatically determined during your admission application review to Hardin-Simmons University.

The scholarships are merit-based. They mainly consider student's academic records, college entrance exam scores, co-curricular involvement, enrollment status, and anticipated major to be undertaken.

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To be considered for academic scholarships, international students typically need to submit the following:

Transcripts of all secondary work (high school).
An official SAT, ACT, or CLT test score. (Test Score: The applicants must have 1030SAT (or) 20ACT (or) 66 CLT.)
Either TOEFL, IELTS, or a Duolingo English proficiency test score.

Scholarship Amounts

First year international students are automatically considered for merit scholarships upon application; these scholarships range from $16,000- 30,000 per year. The University - $16,000 Hardin-Simmons University provides an excellent scholarship for high achieving international students who desire to study in the United States at our Abilene, Texas, campus. After receiving admission to the university, international students are eligible to be evaluated for this scholarship.

It's important to note that merit scholarships do not cover the full cost of attendance, and there are extremely limited opportunities to receive a full scholarship at Simmons. Please note that the cost of attendance at Simmons for traditional undergraduates is approximately $72,680 per year, before students are awarded a scholarship.

Specific Scholarship Programs

While academic scholarships are the primary source of aid for international students, HSU also offers several specific scholarship programs that international students may be eligible for:

Cynthia Ann Parker Endowed Presidential Scholars Program

If you are an incoming Freshmen or Transfer student interested in pursuing any Liberal Arts degree; Criminal Justice, English, English Education, Health Psychology, History, History Education, Psychology, Social Studies, Education, Social Work, Social Work Administration, Social Work and Psychology please check out our Cynthia Ann Parker Endowed Presidential Scholars Program. A $16,000 scholarship that’s awarded $2,000 each semester as long as eligibility is maintain. The Cynthia Ann Parker Endowed Presidential Scholars Program ($4000) was established to ensure scholarship funds for the recruitment and retention of students who demonstrate a high desire and ability to succeed in any of the disciplines of the College of Liberal Arts. Only new incoming freshman and transfer students may apply.

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Ed & Betty Mann DPT Student Scholarship

If you are joining our HSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program, please check out the Ed & Betty Mann DPT Student Scholarship.

Leland Honors Scholarship

Select students admitted to the Honors Program may apply for the Leland Honors Scholarship. This prestigious award is for 100% tuition and replaces all other institutional scholarships previously awarded. Leland Scholars receive a full-tuition scholarship. This scholarship is limited to five members of the fall Julius Olsen Honors Program (JOHP) in consultation with the Faculty Honors Council once the Honors class is chosen for that year. Application and admission into the Julius Olsen Honors Program is required. You must maintain a 3.3 GPA and be a member in good standing of the JOHP to continue to receive the scholarship. The Honors Council may allow for a semester of probation if your GPA falls below a 3.3.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship

Valedictorian/Salutatorian ($1,500) One year scholarship - Awarded to incoming high school graduates who rank #1 or #2 in their class.

Heritage Scholarship

Undergraduate students whose parent is currently serving in full-time Christian church ministry, or as a full-time Christian missionary. The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to request additional documentation from the churches participating to verify eligibility. The Heritage Scholarship is not applicable if you are receiving an academic scholarship from the Leland or Honors Program. Heritage Scholarship is a four-year/eight-long-terms award and is based on full-time enrollment.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Phi Theta Kappa ($2,000) Transfer Students ONLY- Awarded to incoming transfer students whose transcript or PTK certificate indicates their membership to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Student must present transcript or PTK certificate to the Financial Aid office. * First Time Freshmen students receiving an academic scholarship are not eligible for PTK.

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Simmons Exchange Grant

Simmons Exchange Grant ($ amounts vary) - Utilize the Net Price Calculator to see how you may qualify. The Simmons Exchange Grant is funded by various sources. HSU is blessed with donations from many alumni, parents, friends, and foundations who generously give to the university each year. These gifts plus grant programs make up what we call the Simmons Exchange Grant, which is used to lower the tuition cost of an HSU education for students who demonstrate considerable financial need.

Church Match

Church Match ($1000 max per Semester)- HSU will match designated Christian church gifts $1-for-$1 up to $2,000 per year, per student. Church Match ($2,000 Max) - HSU will match designated Christian church gifts $1-for-$1 up to $2,000 per year, per student.

Additional Scholarship Information

Endowed Scholarships: Numerous endowed and restricted scholarships are available through various HSU departments. Students who have received admissions approval can log into HSU Central to submit a scholarship application through Scholarship Central. It is important for the student to pursue scholarships provided by local organizations and businesses. Hardin-Simmons University utilizes AwardSpring, HSU’s endowed scholarship management system. Endowed scholarships are available through the various university departments across campus, each having its own set of eligibility and selection criteria established by the donor of the scholarship fund. Students may apply for endowed scholarship opportunities through AwardSpring, HSU’s scholarship management system. Filling out a scholarship application within AwardSpring DOES NOT guarantee that you will receive an endowed scholarship. However, it greatly increases your chances of receiving an endowed award. The application cycle for endowed scholarship opportunities starts early spring semester and remains open throughout the school year.
Tuition Exchange Scholarship: The tuition exchange scholarship is a partnership of over 500 colleges & universities offering competitive scholarships to dependents of full-time faculty and staff. Tuition exchange scholarships are not guaranteed to all eligible applicants. These awards cover four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate tuition. Fees, course overloads, room & board charges, and PHSSN tuition are not covered. These scholarships cover tuition where regular HSU tuition is assessed.
Outside Scholarships: It is important for the student to pursue scholarships provided by local organizations and businesses. Outside scholarships are a great source of additional aid.

Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility

Most institutional scholarships are renewable up to eight (8) consecutive fall/spring semesters provided satisfactory academic progress is being made, full-time enrollment status is maintained, and renewal grade point minimums are being met. Some specific scholarships are awarded on an annual basis only. Academic Scholarships are four-year/eight-long-terms awards and based on full-time enrollment. You must meet eligibility requirements each semester to continue receiving your scholarship in future terms.

All HSU institutional scholarships or grants require at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) unless a higher GPA is stipulated. All GPAs are assessed prior to the start of each fall semester. The State TEG Grant Program requires a 2.50 cumulative GPA. In addition, an undergraduate student must complete 24 credit hours in an academic year to qualify for TEG the next academic year. A student on second consecutive academic or financial aid suspension is not eligible to hold a university scholarship or university grant.

Full-time HSU enrollment is required for most scholarships and grants. Some programs may be prorated for part-time enrollment. All tuition-specific grants or scholarships apply to HSU tuition only. The Intercollege Program (ACU, McMurry), study abroad, Physical Therapy Program, or Physician Assistant Program tuition charges are not covered.

HSU academic scholarships are only available for programs for which regular, full-time, undergraduate block tuition is assessed. Hardin-Simmons University does not stack Academic Scholarships.

Financial Aid Policies

It is important to understand HSU's financial aid policies to maintain eligibility and avoid any issues with your financial aid package:

Satisfactory Academic Progress: To continue receiving financial assistance, a student must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree. Satisfactory Academic Progress is defined in both qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (credits completed versus credits attempted) terms. Details of the University policy are available in the Office of Financial Aid and online. It is important that every student receiving any type of financial assistance (federal, state, or institutional) be aware of the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. In addition, the maximum time frame an undergraduate student can remain eligible for financial aid cannot exceed 150% of the published length of his/her program. For instance, if the published length of an academic program is 124 credit hours, the maximum time frame established by the school must not exceed 186 attempted credit hours (that is, 124 X 1.5 = 186). The “150% Rule” also applies to individual courses. The Office of Financial Aid will notify a student who ceases to meet minimum requirements for satisfactory progress.
Withdrawal and Refunds: When a student withdraws, is expelled, or ceases to be a student at HSU before the regular end of the academic session for which he/she received financial aid, there is sometimes a refund due, in accordance with the University’s refund policy. However, if the student has received financial aid for the semester during which he/she withdraws, Federal law and University policy dictate that calculated amounts be returned to the respective Financial Aid program(s). Early withdrawal may mean the loss of part or all of a student’s institutional grants or scholarships and the loss of part or all of a student’s federal and state aid. Policies and formulas for determining the amounts to be returned to the individual programs are available in the Office of Financial Aid. Students must complete at least one semester hour per term with a passing grade to prevent the return of financial aid funds for that semester. For financial aid purposes, the Department of Education monitors class attendance. Non-attendance, failure to withdraw, and the subsequent result of all failing grades, will result in financial aid funds being returned. Also, a student receiving all failing grades in a term will be placed on Academic Suspension by the Registrar. Students on Academic Suspension are automatically placed on Financial Aid Suspension and ineligible for financial aid of any kind. Withdrawing from the University negatively impacts a student’s completion percentage (see Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress section). Students not demonstrating progress towards a degree are not eligible for financial aid.
Verification Deadlines: The federal Department of Education requires schools to have a printed deadline for verifications. All necessary documentation must be received by April 30 of the award year.
Cancellation of Enrollment: A pre-registered student wishing to cancel enrollment for a term must do so before the first day of class. After a term has begun, withdrawal from the University is required regardless if the student attended class. The withdrawal process calculates prorated refunds of charges and financial aid returns. Students who do not cancel registered classes prior to the first day of class may cancel/withdraw on the first day of class and receive a 100% refund with no financial aid awarded. A student who withdraws on the 2nd day of class or later during the semester will be subject to the Refund and Return to Title IV policies. Although financial aid is awarded at the beginning of each semester, according to the Department of Education aid is earned one day at a time.
VA Benefits: The coordination of benefits for veterans and/or dependents of veterans is the responsibility of the Office of the Registrar. Students qualifying for assistance must complete necessary documentation with the VA Office and provide certification to the Registrar’s Office to receive funds. To receive benefits from the various programs, i.e. Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, 1607, and Yellow Ribbon, students must be making satisfactory academic progress towards a degree. Any veteran on academic probation risks losing benefits. Effective August 1, 2019, a student receiving VA educational benefits may attend and participate in classes while HSU is waiting on funds from the VA. Hardin-Simmons University will not impose any penalty on a student with VA funding while waiting on payment. Hardin-Simmons University will not impose any penalty because of delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under Chapter 31 or 33. The student will not receive a late fee, denial of access to class or libraries, or any other HSU facility while waiting on VA payment. HSU will not require a VA student to borrow additional funds to cover their bill for the amount the VA has committed to paying HSU for the student balance due.

Block Tuition

Block tuition covers 34 hours for fall, spring, and summer sessions (including May Term). Fees are not included in the Block Tuition rate. A student must be enrolled full-time (12-17 hours) in HSU for the Block Tuition plan. Additional courses exceeding the 34-hour block (17-hours per semester) will be subject to an additional hourly tuition rate. This rate is subject to change each year.

Applying for Scholarships

Following admission to HSU, students are considered for scholarships based on a combination of the following criteria: academic preparation and performance, standardized testing, co-curricular involvement, enrollment status, and anticipated major. Except where noted, no additional application is required; admissions and financial aid applications are used for scholarship evaluation. Requirements and/or evaluation criteria are subject to change.

AwardSpring

Students may apply for endowed scholarship opportunities through AwardSpring, HSU’s scholarship management system. Filling out a scholarship application within AwardSpring DOES NOT guarantee that you will receive an endowed scholarship. However, it greatly increases your chances of receiving an endowed award. The application cycle for endowed scholarship opportunities starts early spring semester and remains open throughout the school year.

International Admissions Process

Preparing to study in a foreign country can be very exciting, and the journey to enrollment is a fulfilling experience. The following international undergraduate admissions steps are designed to help you make a smooth transition to HSU. The international admissions process at HSU is simple.

Submit transcripts of all secondary work (high school).
Submit either an official SAT, ACT, or CLT test score.
Submit either TOEFL, IELTS, or a Duolingo english proficiency test score.
Statement of purpose. Submit a one to two-page essay on why you wish to study in the United States and at Hardin-Simmons University.
Provide a statement of financial backing. Before a Form I-20 can be issued, students must complete a signed Statement of Financial Backing form and include supporting evidence; i.e. bank statements, savings accounts, etc.
Pay enrollment deposit. Pay your enrollment deposit ($3,000 USD) and secure your spot at HSU. This enrollment deposit also acts as your first payment to your school tuition and fees. The enrollment deposit will be paid via credit card through the HSU admission portal or via wire transfer.
Sign up for I-20 shipping. Once you sign up, select Hardin-Simmons University from the drop-down menu to create your I-20 shipment.
Pay SEVIS Fee.
Schedule a Visa interview. Prior to your visa interview, you will need to review the F-1 Visa Interview Checklist and take those items with you on your interview date.
Complete the Terms of Agreement. The terms of agreement will need to be completed prior to registration every semester.
Accept Scholarship in HSU Central.
Register for Classes.
Complete a Housing Request in HSU Central. Your housing request needs to be completed in HSU Central by following these housing request instructions.
Complete the Arrival Form and Review Pre-departure Checklist. In order to prepare for your arrival, please complete the arrival form and review the pre-departure checklist before you travel.
International students are required to make their first payment toward their student account prior to their arrival to the HSU campus. To see a Step-By-Step Guide to make your first payment using Transact Bill Pay in HSU Central.

HSU will assist with your arrival to our campus by providing transportation service from the Abilene Regional Airport, and will also make sure your housing is ready when you arrive.

Study Abroad Programs

In addition to on-campus scholarships, HSU also encourages international experiences through study abroad programs.

Study abroad programs at HSU vary in length from a full academic year to three weeks during the summer.

London Semester

The London Semester takes you to London each spring semester. Study Abroad learning sets you apart from many other HSU students. You have the vision to see that a semester of international study will enrich your academic experience and you’re your undergraduate degree exceptional. London will become your classroom and home for a semester. You will study with both British and American professors utilizing the city of London as your classroom. You will go on many excursions in London, a number of day trips out of London, and a spring break tour of England, Scotland, and Wales. Each University will select up to ten students to participate in the London Semester. G.P.A.

Salzburg College

This very economical program is unique because it also includes a week-long field trip through Germany and a five-day trip to Vienna. Students have a two-week break to travel on their own and explore Europe. All of the courses taken at Salzburg College are taught in English by European faculty. Salzburg College offers you an academic program tailored to your needs, with small classes and dedicated professors who encourage you to integrate your personal experience into your coursework. While all courses at Salzburg College are open to all students, certain areas of concentration have been developed.

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)

All courses are offered in English and are readily applicable to their HSU degree plans. While attending HKBU, students live at the International House, which has hotel type accommodations with two students per room and private bath facilities. Meals can be taken at the university’s central dining facility, with breakfast provided at the International House. While attending HKBU, students have extensive opportunity to travel throughout the Pacific Rim area, including Thailand, mainland China, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Other Opportunities

Many other destinations are available too through HSU faculty-led trips, the CGE, and the CCCU. Hardin-Simmons University International Studies offers generous scholarships for HSU faculty led trips that can make the cost of studying abroad as affordable as studying on campus!

Conclusion

Hardin-Simmons University is committed to supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. Through a combination of merit-based scholarships, specific program awards, and study abroad opportunities, HSU strives to make its educational experience accessible and affordable for students from around the world. By understanding the application process, eligibility requirements, and financial aid policies, international students can maximize their opportunities to receive financial assistance and achieve their academic goals at HSU.

Important Reminders

All institutional aid, including departmental awards, are tuition based and will only be applied to the tuition portion of a student’s bill.
As a scholarship recipient, you may be asked to write a letter of appreciation to the donor of your specified scholarship(s). The Office of Financial Aid will contact you after the semester commences should you be asked to provide a letter(s) of appreciation.
All students are encouraged to notify the Office of Financial Aid upon receipt or notification of an outside scholarship.
Students awarded additional endowed scholarships and/or other grants will see their Simmons Exchange Grant decrease as it is replaced with specific grants or the names of generous donors who gave sacrificially to help lower students’ tuition cost.

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