Henderson State University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Henderson State University [HSU]: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Arkadelphia, ArkansasLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1890established year
3334enrollment
NCA
Public
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 22, 2026

Henderson State University, based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, is a public regional university and part of the Arkansas State University System. Founded in 1890, Henderson State University is listed in the US News Regional Universities South rankings, a category that ranks American colleges by geographic region rather than global research output.

HSU offers over 70 undergraduate and 25 graduate programmes across arts, business, education, health sciences, and applied sciences. All degrees run in English, with Fall and Spring intakes accessible to Indian applicants seeking affordable US public education. Indian students find MS universities in USA at this fee band a strong value option.

  • Ranking: Listed in US News Regional Universities South, 2026-2027 edition
  • Acceptance rate: 78% (estimated)
  • Primary intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
  • PG tuition (international): $10,000 to $12,000 per year (₹9.5 to 11.3 Lakh, estimated)
  • Average starting salary: $45,000 to $55,000 for regional US public graduates (estimated)

Tuition sits well below the US national average, with need-based waivers available to qualifying international students. F-1 visa holders access 12-month F-1 student visa OPT employment after graduation. STEM-designated programmes qualify for a 24-month extension, taking post-study work eligibility to three years.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Rolling (Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 intakes accepting). Henderson State University runs rolling admissions with no fixed close date, though international applicants are advised to submit by mid-October 2026 for the Spring 2027 (January) intake and by April 2027 for Fall 2027 (August) entry. Later applications are considered when seats remain, but F-1 visa timelines make earlier submission safer.


Henderson State University Popular Courses and Fees 2027

Henderson State University charges international students out-of-state tuition, calculated per credit hour, with most PG programmes requiring 30 to 36 credits and UG programmes 120 credits. Fees below are estimated annual out-of-state tuition ranges; confirm on the official fee schedule at the time of admission offer.

Henderson State University Top PG Fees for Indian Students 2027

Postgraduate tuition ranges $10,000 to $12,000 per year, giving total programme costs of $20,000 to $24,000 for two-year masters.

ProgramTotal Fee ($)Total Fee (₹ Lakh)Entry Requirement
MBA (Master of Business Administration)$11,000 to $13,000 (estimated)₹10.4 to 12.3 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended)
MS Aquaculture and Fisheries$20,000 to $24,000 (estimated)₹18.9 to 22.7 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in biology or allied science with 55% (recommended)
MS Sport Administration$20,000 to $24,000 (estimated)₹18.9 to 22.7 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MEd Educational Leadership$18,000 to $22,000 (estimated)₹17.0 to 20.8 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% and teaching background (recommended)
MEd Curriculum and Instruction$18,000 to $22,000 (estimated)₹17.0 to 20.8 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
Master of Liberal Arts$18,000 to $22,000 (estimated)₹17.0 to 20.8 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Community Counseling$22,000 to $26,000 (estimated)₹20.8 to 24.6 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in psychology or allied field with 55% (recommended)
MMEd Music Education$18,000 to $22,000 (estimated)₹17.0 to 20.8 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in music with 55% (recommended)
MEd Reading$18,000 to $22,000 (estimated)₹17.0 to 20.8 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MEd Special Education$18,000 to $22,000 (estimated)₹17.0 to 20.8 Lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)

Henderson State University Top UG Fees for Indian Students 2027

Undergraduate tuition ranges $12,000 to $13,000 per year for four-year bachelor programmes, totaling $48,000 to $52,000 across the degree.

ProgramTotal Fee ($)Total Fee (₹ Lakh)Entry Requirement
BS Nursing$48,000 to $52,000 (estimated)₹45.4 to 49.1 Lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 75% to 85% in PCB (recommended)
BS Business Administration$48,000 to $52,000 (estimated)₹45.4 to 49.1 Lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BS Computer Science$48,000 to $52,000 (estimated)₹45.4 to 49.1 Lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 75% in PCM (recommended)
BS Biology$48,000 to $52,000 (estimated)₹45.4 to 49.1 Lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 70% to 80% in PCB (recommended)
BA Education$48,000 to $52,000 (estimated)₹45.4 to 49.1 Lakh (estimated)Class 12 with 70% (recommended)

Insider note: Indian applicants at Henderson State University most often pick MBA, MS Aquaculture and Fisheries, and BS Computer Science. The aquaculture programme is a niche draw given US Southern access to warm-water fisheries research.

Read More: Henderson State University Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Henderson State University Admission 2027

Henderson State University runs rolling admissions with two main intakes each year, and Indian students typically target Fall entry for programme depth and internship access. The MBA in USA application guide covers the full document set.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 application deadlineMid-October 2026 (recommended)Rolling; earlier submission improves I-20 processing time.
Fall 2027 application deadlineApril 2027 (recommended)Rolling; STEM programmes have no fixed close date.
Credential verification (WES or ECE)Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadlineWES is the more common evaluator for HSU.
Spring 2027 programme startJanuary 2027Orientation typically the week before classes.
Fall 2027 programme startAugust 2027Visa appointment slots tighten May onwards.

Planning note: Indian applicants should factor 6 to 8 weeks for F-1 visa processing after receiving the I-20. Rolling admissions mean HSU can issue an I-20 quickly if documents are ready on submission.

Read More: Henderson State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Henderson State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Henderson State University sets modest academic thresholds compared with the US Ivy tier, focused on baseline academic capacity and English proficiency.

Henderson State University PG Admission Requirements

  • Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) from a recognized Indian university
  • English test: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 105 (recommended, verify at official HSU international admissions page)
  • Credential evaluation: WES course-by-course or ECE evaluation of Indian transcripts
  • GRE or GMAT: Not universally required; MBA and some MS programmes may waive with strong academics

Henderson State University UG Admission Requirements

  • Academic: Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); STEM programmes prefer higher PCM/PCB marks
  • English test: TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 5.5 or Duolingo 90 (recommended)
  • SAT or ACT: Typically test-optional; standout scores can strengthen scholarship consideration

Key insight: Henderson State University often waives IELTS for Indian applicants whose Class 12 or bachelor’s was taught in English, subject to official transcript confirmation. Waivers are decided case-by-case, not guaranteed.


Henderson State University Acceptance Rate 2027

Henderson State University reports an acceptance rate estimated around 78% (estimated), based on third-party US higher-education aggregators. Official year-on-year figures are not published in a standardized way, so this range reflects publicly cited estimates.

For Indian applicants meeting minimum test scores and academic thresholds, an offer is a realistic outcome, and the friction point is usually F-1 visa evidence rather than the academic decision itself.

Reality check: A high acceptance rate does not mean the offer stage is automatic. Poorly documented financial proof or weak statements of purpose still trigger denials at Henderson State University.

Read More: Henderson State University Acceptance Rate


Henderson State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual cost for Indian students at Henderson State University sits between $20,000 and $25,000 (₹18.9 to 23.6 Lakh), covering tuition plus living expenses in Arkadelphia. This is well below coastal US universities in USA where totals often exceed $60,000 per year.

Henderson State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Undergraduate out-of-state tuition ranges $12,000 to $13,000 per year, while graduate tuition ranges $10,000 to $12,000, both dependent on credit-hour load.

LevelAnnual Tuition ($)Annual Tuition (₹ Lakh)
Undergraduate (international)$12,000 to $13,000 (estimated)₹11.3 to 12.3 Lakh (estimated)
Graduate (international)$10,000 to $12,000 (estimated)₹9.5 to 11.3 Lakh (estimated)

Henderson State University Monthly Cost of Living in Arkadelphia for Indian Students

Arkadelphia is a small Southern town, so monthly costs are modest compared with US metros.

ItemMonthly ($)Monthly (₹)
Accommodation (on-campus or shared)$450 to $700 (estimated)₹42,500 to 66,200 (estimated)
Food and groceries$250 to $400 (estimated)₹23,600 to 37,800 (estimated)
Transportation$60 to $120 (estimated)₹5,700 to 11,300 (estimated)
Books and supplies$60 to $100 (estimated)₹5,700 to 9,500 (estimated)
Personal and utilities$150 to $250 (estimated)₹14,200 to 23,600 (estimated)
Total Monthly$970 to $1,570 (estimated)₹91,700 to 1.48 Lakh (estimated)
Total Annual$8,000 to $10,000 (estimated)₹7.6 to 9.5 Lakh (estimated)

[Source: US regional college living-cost estimates for Arkansas, 2026]

Insider note: On-campus housing at Henderson State University is generally cheaper than off-campus rentals if a roommate cannot be found. Utilities and internet are usually bundled with residence-hall rents.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


Henderson State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

Henderson State University occupies a compact residential campus in Arkadelphia, a small Arkansas college town about 65 miles southwest of Little Rock.

  • Location and transport: Campus is walkable end to end; Arkadelphia has limited public transit, and most students drive or share rides to Little Rock’s airport.
  • Housing: On-campus residence halls house first-year students and many internationals, with double rooms typical; off-campus rentals are widely available at low rates.
  • Notable facility: HSU’s Aquaculture Research Center is a working freshwater fisheries lab used by MS Aquaculture and Fisheries students.
  • Indian student community: Small but active International Student Association hosts orientation, cultural nights and airport pickup for new arrivals.

What Indian students say: Coursework at Henderson State University is manageable with steady effort, and professors are approachable in small class sizes. Social life is quiet; students seeking city amenities travel to Little Rock on weekends.


Henderson State University Scholarships 2027

Henderson State University offers a limited set of merit and non-resident tuition waivers open to international students, with no India-specific award publicly listed.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Non-Resident Tuition WaiverMerit and needPartial tuition reduction (verify at official page)International UG or PG with strong academicsVaries; apply with admission
Academic Excellence ScholarshipMerit$1,000 to $3,000 per year (estimated)Strong Class 12 or bachelor’s marksRolling with admission
Graduate AssistantshipWork-studyTuition waiver plus stipend (verify at department page)Admitted PG students, department nominationVaries by department

Specific award amounts and deadlines are decided by the Office of International Affairs and academic departments case-by-case, so early contact after admission is recommended.

Planning note: Graduate assistantships at Henderson State University are the highest-value awards for Indian PG students and can offset most tuition. Assistantship offers usually follow academic admission, not precede it.

Read More: Henderson State University Scholarships Guide


Henderson State University Rankings 2027

Henderson State University does not appear in the QS World, Times Higher Education World, or ARWU Shanghai global rankings, and is instead listed in US News regional and state-level tables. For US context, see study in USA.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS World University RankingsNot ranked in QS 2027Not rankedNot ranked
Times Higher Education WorldNot ranked in THE 2026Not rankedNot ranked
ARWU ShanghaiNot ranked in ARWU 2026Not rankedNot ranked
US News Regional Universities SouthListed 2026-2027 edition (position verify at US News)Listed prior editionsListed prior editions

[Source: QS, Times Higher Education, ARWU, US News]

Key insight: Absence from QS or THE does not affect F-1 visa eligibility, and Henderson State University’s regional accreditation is what US employers and immigration officers actually check.

Read More: Henderson State University Rankings Analysis


Henderson State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Henderson State University does not publish a standardized placement report in the format Indian applicants may know from IITs, so career outcomes are reflected in salary bands and regional employer profiles rather than percentages.

  • Median starting salary: $45,000 to $55,000 for regional US public graduates (market median, estimated)
  • MBA median post-degree salary: $55,000 to $70,000 (market median, estimated)
  • Representative employer sectors: Education, healthcare, state government, community banking, aquaculture research
  • Career support: Career Services office offers resume review, on-campus recruiting events, and OPT paperwork assistance
  • Post-study work: 12-month OPT for all F-1 graduates; STEM-designated programmes eligible for a 24-month extension, taking total OPT to 36 months

Insider note: Indian graduates from Henderson State University most often route through OPT into Little Rock, Dallas, or Houston employers. Specialized fields like aquaculture see federal and state government agencies as steady recruiters.

Henderson State University vs Peer Universities

The following comparison places Henderson State University alongside similar Arkansas and neighbouring-state public regional universities that Indian students often shortlist together.

UniversityQS Rank 2027Collegedunia Study AbroadAvg Annual PG Fee ($)Avg Annual PG Fee (₹ Lakh)Differentiator
Henderson State UniversityNot rankedNA$10,000 to $12,000 (estimated)₹9.5 to 11.3 Lakh (estimated)Low-tuition public with rolling admissions
Arkansas Tech UniversityNot rankedNA$11,000 to $13,000 (estimated)₹10.4 to 12.3 Lakh (estimated)Engineering strength, larger student body
University of Central ArkansasNot rankedNA$11,500 to $13,500 (estimated)₹10.9 to 12.8 Lakh (estimated)Health and business focus, wider career fair
Arkansas State UniversityNot rankedNA$12,000 to $14,000 (estimated)₹11.3 to 13.2 Lakh (estimated)Larger research base, dedicated international office
Southern Arkansas UniversityNot rankedNA$10,500 to $12,500 (estimated)₹9.9 to 11.8 Lakh (estimated)Similar fee band, rural residential setting

Henderson State University’s edge in this peer set is the combination of low tuition, rolling admissions and the niche MS Aquaculture and Fisheries programme. For Indian students focused on affordability and Fall or Spring flexibility, HSU is a viable value pick.

Henderson State University fits Indian students who want an affordable four-year US degree or a work-experience-oriented masters at total costs of $80,000 to $100,000 (₹75.6 to 94.5 Lakh, estimated). The single strongest advantage is the F-1 route with STEM OPT extension, which the MBA universities in USA comparison shows is a common financing bridge.

HSU is not the right pick for applicants who need a QS-top-200 brand for elite Indian employers or a large research-lab ecosystem. Those students should look at Arkansas State University or Louisiana State University instead.


Henderson State University FAQs

Ques. What programs at Henderson State University attract most Indian students?

Ans. MBA, MS Aquaculture and Fisheries, MS Sport Administration and BS Computer Science are the most common Indian-student picks at Henderson State University. MBA appeals for its short 30-credit structure and business track record. MS Aquaculture and Fisheries is a specialized fit for candidates with a biology or fisheries background. BS Computer Science attracts undergraduates aiming for STEM OPT eligibility. All four programmes carry rolling admission and are English-medium.

Ques. How does HSU handle GRE and IELTS test score waivers?

Ans. HSU typically waives IELTS when the applicant’s Class 12 or bachelor’s was completed in English, subject to transcript verification. GRE and GMAT waivers are offered case-by-case for MBA and some MS programmes when academic marks are strong. Waivers are not guaranteed and must be requested during application. Applicants are advised to submit official test scores wherever available to avoid delays. All waiver decisions rest with the admissions committee.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at HSU?

Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders at HSU can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work needs Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training approval. Common on-campus roles include library, cafeteria, tutoring and graduate assistantships. Wages vary by role and typically start near the Arkansas minimum wage. On-campus jobs do not fully cover tuition but support living costs.

Ques. Does Henderson State University require SAT or ACT for undergraduate admission?

Ans. Henderson State University generally follows a test-optional undergraduate admissions policy for international students. Indian Class 12 marks alone are usually enough for the academic review. Submitting a strong SAT or ACT score can, however, strengthen scholarship consideration and academic placement. Applicants should confirm the current policy on the official international admissions page before deciding. Test-optional status is subject to change each cycle.

Ques. What financial documents help Indian applicants secure F-1 visa at HSU?

Ans. The core F-1 financial proof for HSU is a bank certificate or affidavit showing funds covering at least one year of tuition plus living costs, typically $22,000 to $25,000. Fixed deposits, education-loan sanction letters and sponsor affidavits from parents are all accepted. Documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Applicants should keep original bank stamps and signatures visible. Freshly dated documents perform better at the visa interview.

Ques. How long does OPT last for Henderson State University international graduates?

Ans. Optional Practical Training runs 12 months for all F-1 graduates from Henderson State University. Graduates from STEM-designated programmes such as computer science can apply for an additional 24-month OPT extension. This takes total post-study work eligibility to 36 months for STEM completers. Non-STEM graduates from HSU are limited to the 12-month standard OPT. Both routes require timely application to USCIS before OPT starts.

Ques. Are transcripts required to be WES evaluated for HSU applications?

Ans. Henderson State University generally asks Indian applicants for a course-by-course WES evaluation of bachelor’s or Class 12 transcripts. ECE evaluations are typically accepted as an alternative. The evaluation converts Indian percentages or CGPA into US GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants should start the WES process 8 to 10 weeks before the intended application submission. Original mark sheets and provisional certificates are required for the WES workflow.

Ques. What is the application fee at Henderson State University for international students?

Ans. The international application fee at Henderson State University is typically in the $30 to $50 range (₹2,835 to 4,725, estimated). Fee waivers are occasionally offered through partner recruiters or during promotional application drives. Applicants should verify the current fee and payment method on the official international admissions page before submission. Payments are usually made by credit card at the point of application. The fee is non-refundable regardless of admission outcome.

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2 years
On Campus
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Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.0|TOEFL80|PTE53|GMAT400
USD 13,080 /Yr

4 years
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Exam Scores: IELTS5|TOEFL61|PTE44|Duolingo90
USD 10,170 /Yr

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2 years
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4 years
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USD 10,170 /Yr

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Henderson State University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
The Google Lime ScholarshipScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Axol Science ScholarshipScholarship per student$2,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCompany-Sponsored
VueVille Future Technology ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
R&D Systems ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based

Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

Henderson State University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Henderson State University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-80--
IELTS-6--
Undergraduate
SAT103995411235
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing517476558-
Mathematics522478565-
ACT22192595
Check Detailed Score
English231926-
Mathematics221825-

Attendance Cost

$10,170

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$10,170 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$13,080 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,600 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$7,000 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$3,700 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$8,000 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$4,900 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$4,878 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$4,500 / Year

Henderson State University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program wise accreditation
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Nursing Programs
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
2465231215355

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