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


Howard Payne University supports a variety of athletic programs, providing students with multiple opportunities to engage in competitive sports. The university's athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III, primarily as members of the American Southwest Conference. This affiliation emphasizes both athletic competition and academic achievement, fostering a balanced college experience for student-athletes.
Students can participate in a range of men's and women's sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, golf, and cross country. The institution also offers programs in tennis and track and field, allowing student-athletes to pursue their favorites or discover new interests. Facilities on campus are equipped to support training and competition, contributing to the overall experience of those involved in athletics.
Beyond competitive play, Howard Payne encourages students to benefit from the leadership, teamwork, and discipline that sports cultivate. The athletic department places a strong emphasis on supporting students in excelling both on the field and in the classroom, reflecting the university's commitment to holistic development through its athletic offerings.
Howard Payne University offers a variety of student groups catering to diverse interests and backgrounds. Among the available organizations are the Baptist Student Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Gaming Guild, Spanish Club, and Social Work Club. These groups provide opportunities for students to engage socially and develop interests outside the classroom.
Approximately 3% of the student body participates in these social organizations, with 10 men and 10 women reported as active members in such groups out of a total enrollment of 658 students, comprised of 353 men and 305 women.
Howard Payne University hosts a diverse student body, though comprehensive data about in-state and out-of-state enrollment is not available. The university welcomed an average-sized incoming class, with 209 freshmen representing roughly the bottom 35th percentile nationally in terms of enrollment size. Transfer students numbered 63, placing the transfer cohort in the bottom 40%, and the total new student intake was 272, also reflecting a moderately small enrollment scale.
The university's student population spans a wide range of age groups. Among undergraduates, the largest segments fall between ages 18 and 21, totaling 533 students, while 128 students are in the 22 to 24 range. Smaller numbers of undergraduates are older, with 81 students aged 25 and above. Graduate students tend to be older, primarily between 22 and 49 years of age, with fewer younger or senior students enrolled in graduate programs.
Racial and ethnic composition at Howard Payne University shows an average mixture compared to national peers. Hispanic students number 195, African American students count 71, and white students make up the largest group with 380 individuals. Smaller populations include Native American (4), Asian (6), and Pacific Islander (2) students. Those identifying with two or more races total 35, while 22 students' racial identities are unknown.
Student life at Howard Payne University offers a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. The university supports a campus newspaper, drama productions, a band, and a chorus, providing students with multiple avenues for creative expression and community involvement. While there is no campus radio or television station, students have access to a range of cultural and artistic opportunities.
Health and wellness resources are also available, including a health clinic and psychological counseling services, aimed at supporting student well-being throughout their academic journey. However, some support facilities such as legal services, a veterans affairs office, and a women's center are not present on campus.
Howard Payne University offers its students access to the Walker Memorial Library, the institution's main and sole library facility. The university does not provide additional libraries beyond this, placing it in the lower range of library availability compared to peer institutions. Despite having just one library, the Walker Memorial Library supports physical and digital access to its resources, ensuring students can obtain materials both on campus and remotely.
The library operates with established hours totaling 84 service hours per week, staffed by trained personnel ready to assist students with their research and study needs. Though there are no study rooms or all-day access options available, students benefit from access to shared collections, expanding the scope of materials accessible beyond what is physically housed at the university.
Total enrollment
833Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
202Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
182 full time, 82 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Walker Memorial LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes