Harding University vs. AU

Comparable Facts

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

Anderson University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (4,710 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Harding University vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or AU? 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 Harding University than AU ($22,806 vs. $24,434).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 28.8% lower than at Anderson University ($9,060 vs. $12,720).
• Anderson University is 33.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $8,708 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.2% higher at AU than at Harding University (about $8,708 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Harding University as at Anderson University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 54.9% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($25,969 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or AU? 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 AU and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 20 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming AU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Anderson University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Anderson University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; AU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 32.5% at AU.

Harding University vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and AU? 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 Anderson University's (48%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $37,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University graduates have a $138 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($26,862 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 60%)

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.