Harding University vs. Belhaven University

Comparable Facts

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

Harding University is larger than Belhaven University based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 4,213 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Belhaven University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Belhaven University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Belhaven University 12:1.

Harding University vs. Belhaven University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Belhaven 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 Belhaven University than Harding University ($16,299 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 7.6% lower than at Belhaven University ($9,060 vs. $9,800).
• Belhaven University is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $3,988 more per year; $30,250.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at Belhaven University than at Harding University (about $3,988 more per year; $30,250.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Belhaven University (98% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Belhaven University students is 40.9% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($23,625 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Belhaven University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Belhaven University (1150).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Belhaven University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Belhaven University 1010/1298.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Belhaven University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Belhaven University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Belhaven University (3.5).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Belhaven University (49.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 18.5% at Belhaven University.

Harding University vs. Belhaven University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Belhaven 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 Belhaven University's (48%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Belhaven University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harding University graduates have a $1,402 lower median loan debt than Belhaven University graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,402).
• Among borrowers, Harding University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Belhaven University graduates ($279 vs. $293).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Belhaven University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 47%)

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.