Howard Payne University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Howard Payne is accessible, but the 52% freshman retention rate makes academic fit worth taking seriously. With testing required and more students submitting SAT than ACT, aim for the top of the SAT range, around 1130 or higher, to show you are ready for the coursework rather than just clearing the admission bar.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Howard Payne University facts and stats
Howard Payne University is a small-town institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 751 students. Howard Payne has a freshman retention rate of 52% and a 6-year graduation rate of 28%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. Howard Payne is test-required for admissions.
Brownwood, TX
How do your scores compare at Howard Payne?

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Key Howard Payne University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Howard Payne requires test scores, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes to improve through superscoring. To have scores ready well before the March 15 financial aid priority deadline, the December test date is typically the last practical retake.
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What you'll actually pay
Howard Payne’s tuition and fees are $33,322, and 90% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $12,793, so scholarships can meaningfully reduce the amount families pay. Submit the FAFSA by the March 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

Howard Payne’s listed tuition, fees, room, and board total about $42,974. Financial aid is common, with 90% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $20,353. Merit awards average $12,793, which can meaningfully reduce the published price for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $34,875.
Student life at Howard Payne University
59% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TXAcceptance rate: 66%
SAT: 1000–1230
ACT: 19–27
Amberton University
Garland, TXAcceptance rate: 63.9%
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TXAcceptance rate: 100%
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TXAcceptance rate: 100%
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