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Baptist-affiliated Hardin-Simmons University in Texas excels at "instilling Christian educational values" in its career-oriented undergrads. The theology and ministry programs are "renowned" (and everybody takes a couple Bible-related courses). The nursing program is "strong and well known." Education, music, physical therapy, and the hard sciences are reportedly excellent as well. Hardin-Simmons also boasts a tuition guarantee program. If you stay enrolled full-time and don't flunk out, your tuition won't go up as long as you are an undergrad here. "Classes are small" and "challenging" at HSU, and "you will never be taught by a teaching assistant or graduate student." Professors are "exceptionally knowledgeable in their fields." A few "just can't teach," but most are "interesting" and "insightful." "They are very supportive and show passion for what they teach." "Personal attention" from faculty members is also ample. "I am not another number in a classroom," beams a nursing major. "I am a person to them."

There are all sorts of personalities at Hardin-Simmons but, as a rule, students are "plugged into at least one activity" or organization on campus. They "want to do well in classes" and "seem to have all of their priorities in line." They're also "polite," "hardworking," "athletic," "conservative," "really friendly," "and usually from Texas." Many are "from suburbs" near Dallas. Many others come from the phalanx of small towns that dot the Lone Star State. Ethnic diversity here, which includes a noticeable contingent of international students, isn't the best but it's certainly not the worst, either. The typical HSU student "has been raised in the church" or, at least, comes "from a Christian background." Without question, you'll find "some Bible thumpers" on campus who "love Jesus." However, some students "aren't actively religious," and many others fall somewhere in between.

Hardin-Simmons radiates a Christian vibe. The campus is abuzz with wholesome activity. "You could be busy every moment if you chose." Intramural sports, "campus-wide games like scavenger hunts," service organizations, and social clubs (HSU's version of a Greek system) are popular. "Big lawns are available for spontaneous recreational activities." "You can go to sporting events, see plays, or just chill and watch movies." If there's one thing on campus that needs improving, it's the cafeteria food. Devotees of the surrounding "West Texas town" of Abilene tell us that it's a "safe" place with "an excellent mall and plenty of parks." Critics of Abilene point out that Wal-Mart and IHOP "are the only places open after 10:00 P.M." Dorm policies are "strict." Its religious policies mean that "someone who is entirely liberal" would not feel at all comfortable here." While students must "get 80 chapel credits by graduation," there's a number of ways to obtain those credits beyond simply attending a church service. Similarly, while "Hardin-Simmons really is not that much of a party school," there are plenty of "fun people who enjoy a party or two" "on the weekends." "Let's be honest," concedes a theology major, "it's college."