Harding University vs. Bradley

Comparable Facts

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

Bradley University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (4,777 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Bradley University is in Peoria, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bradley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Bradley University 11:1.

Harding University vs. Bradley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Bradley? 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 Bradley ($22,806 vs. $23,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 32.9% lower than at Bradley University ($9,060 vs. $13,500).
• Bradley University is 60.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $15,898 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.5% higher at Bradley than at Harding University (about $15,898 more per year; $42,160.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bradley University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bradley University students is 83.8% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($30,808 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Bradley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bradley University (1200) is 30 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Bradley students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Bradley University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Bradley University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Bradley - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Bradley students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Bradley has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 11.2% at Bradley.

Harding University vs. Bradley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Bradley? 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).

• Bradley University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from Bradley University earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bradley University and Harding University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Bradley University and Harding University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Bradley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.