Harding University vs. CBU

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than CBU based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Christian Brothers University is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Christian Brothers University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Christian Brothers University 9:1.

Harding University vs. CBU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or CBU? 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 Christian Brothers University than Harding University ($16,754 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 18% lower than at Christian Brothers University ($9,060 vs. $11,055).
• Christian Brothers University is 46.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $12,158 more per year; $38,420.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.3% higher at CBU than at Harding University (about $12,158 more per year; $38,420.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christian Brothers University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christian Brothers University students is 86.3% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($31,234 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. CBU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christian Brothers University (1200) is 30 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at CBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Christian Brothers University 1020/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Christian Brothers University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; CBU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at CBU (3.67).
• CBU has a higher acceptance rate (86.7%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 13.4% at CBU.

Harding University vs. CBU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and CBU? 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 Christian Brothers University's (52%).
• Graduates from Christian Brothers University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Christian Brothers University and Harding University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Christian Brothers University and Harding University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CBU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 53%)

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.