
1000 Fisk Street, Brownwood, TX 76801-2715, USA


Howard Payne University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes the institution to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation is a significant indicator of the university's commitment to maintaining quality educational standards and continuous improvement.
In addition to its regional accreditation, several of Howard Payne University's programs have received specialized accreditation from professional bodies, enhancing their credibility and recognition in their respective fields. Such accreditations are often important for students planning to enter regulated professions or seeking credential recognition beyond general education.
Prospective students should note that accreditation affects the transferability of credits, eligibility for federal financial aid, and the overall value of their degrees in the job market and further education. Therefore, Howard Payne University's accreditation status provides a reliable assurance of its academic integrity and institutional stability.
Howard Payne University requires applicants to submit a secondary school record along with evidence of their high school GPA and class rank. The institution does not operate an open admission policy, so meeting these academic criteria is essential for consideration. While standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are not explicitly required, the university does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits, indicating some recognition of college-level achievement prior to enrollment.
Applicants do not need to provide information on computer ownership or leasing for admission purposes, as these are not required. Additionally, the university does not participate in dual credit or other early college credit programs for admission.
Admissions data highlight that Howard Payne University has a moderately selective acceptance process, with an acceptance rate of 68%, placing it in the bottom 45 percentile relative to other institutions. Out of 1,269 applicants, 859 were admitted, and approximately 209 enrolled, reflecting an average yield. Female enrollees number slightly fewer than male enrollees, who represent just over half of the incoming cohort.
Howard Payne University charges an application fee for prospective students submitting their applications. However, the university offers options to waive this fee for certain applicants, easing the financial burden of the admission process. Fee waivers are typically available to students who meet specific criteria, which may include financial need, participation in college fairs, or as part of certain recruitment initiatives. These waivers are designed to make the application more accessible and encourage a diverse range of applicants to consider enrollment.
Howard Payne University does not host its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. Instead, students interested in pursuing ROTC opportunities typically participate through cross-enrollment agreements with nearby institutions that offer Army, Air Force, or Navy ROTC training. This arrangement allows students to combine their academic studies at Howard Payne University with military training provided by partner universities.
Because Howard Payne University itself lacks an independent ROTC unit, prospective cadets should consider nearby colleges with established ROTC detachments to fulfill their military training requirements. These affiliated programs provide leadership development, military education, and commissioning opportunities upon graduation for those aspiring to become commissioned officers in the U. S. armed forces.
Students enrolled in ROTC through partner institutions can expect to adhere to the curricula and schedules prescribed by those programs while maintaining their primary academic registration at Howard Payne University. This collaborative approach facilitates access to ROTC without requiring the university to maintain its own command structure or facilities dedicated to military instruction.
Howard Payne University accepts transfer credits from several sources, including the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) exams, allowing prospective transfer students to potentially accelerate their degree progress. The university also welcomes recommendations and accepts transfer credits, facilitating the enrollment process for those coming from other institutions. This flexibility aims to accommodate a variety of prior learning experiences and credit types, though specific transfer admission criteria and entry terms are not detailed.
Howard Payne University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic experience and provide students with global perspectives. These programs are typically short-term trips organized around specific courses, allowing students to earn academic credit while exploring different cultures. Participants often engage in hands-on learning through site visits, cultural excursions, and interactions with local communities, broadening their understanding beyond classroom instruction.
Students can choose from faculty-led trips that focus on subjects such as history, art, and international studies, tailored to complement their majors or personal interests. The university emphasizes immersive experiences, helping students develop cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability in diverse environments. Additionally, the programs encourage reflection on global issues and their relevance to students' fields of study.
While Howard Payne University does not currently offer semester-long exchange programs, the available short-term study abroad options provide an accessible way for students to gain international exposure without a prolonged absence from campus. These programs are open to undergraduates in various disciplines seeking to expand their academic and cultural horizons in a structured and supportive setting.
Percent of students submitting ACT scores
15%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
26%Computer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Data not available