Arkansas State University vs. Harding University

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with Harding University in Searcy, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Harding University is in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Harding University 13:1.

Arkansas State University vs. Harding University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or Harding University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Arkansas State University than Harding University ($12,410 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 21.6% lower than at Arkansas State University ($9,060 vs. $11,550).
• Harding University is 224.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $18,172 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.8% higher at Harding University than at Arkansas State University (about $11,740 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Arkansas State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 25.1% larger than aid received by Arkansas State University students ($16,763 vs. $13,395).

Arkansas State University vs. Harding University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas State University or Harding University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Harding University and Arkansas State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 90 points higher than at Arkansas State University (1080).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Harding University 1050/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Harding University 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; Harding University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Arkansas State University (3.66).
• Arkansas State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 44.6% at Harding University.

Arkansas State University vs. Harding University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas State University and Harding University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Harding University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.