Harding University vs. Austin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Austin College in Sherman, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Austin College based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 1,217 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Austin College is in Sherman, TX (Small City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Austin College 11:1.

Harding University vs. Austin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Austin College? 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 Austin College ($22,806 vs. $23,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 35.1% lower than at Austin College ($9,060 vs. $13,951).
• Austin College is 85.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $22,418 more per year; $48,680.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.4% higher at Austin College than at Harding University (about $22,418 more per year; $48,680.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Austin College than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Austin College students is 125.2% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($37,742 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Austin College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Austin College (1210) is 40 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Austin College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Austin College 1100/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Austin College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Austin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Austin College Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Austin College (3.63).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Austin College (47.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 14.2% at Austin College.

Harding University vs. Austin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Austin College? 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).

• Austin College's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from Austin College earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Austin College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Austin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 71%)

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.