Harding University vs. College of the Ozarks

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than College of the Ozarks based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 1,454 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); College of the Ozarks is in Point Lookout, MO (Distant Town setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of the Ozarks is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; College of the Ozarks 14:1.

Harding University vs. College of the Ozarks Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or College of the Ozarks? 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 College of the Ozarks than Harding University ($11,637 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Ozarks are 2.9% lower than at Harding University ($8,800 vs. $9,060).
• Harding University is 17.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than College of the Ozarks (about $3,942 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $22,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.7% higher at Harding University than at College of the Ozarks (about $3,942 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $22,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Ozarks than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Ozarks students is 31.8% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($22,097 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. College of the Ozarks Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or College of the Ozarks? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between College of the Ozarks and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 30 points higher than at College of the Ozarks (1140).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 22 at College of the Ozarks).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Harding University 1050/1290; College of the Ozarks 1050/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Harding University 20/29; College of the Ozarks 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; College of the Ozarks - Required.
• Enrolled freshman Harding University students have the same average high school GPA (3.71) as students at College of the Ozarks (3.71).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than College of the Ozarks (12%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 81.1% at College of the Ozarks.

Harding University vs. College of the Ozarks Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and College of the Ozarks? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Harding University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than College of the Ozarks's (54%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than College of the Ozarks graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $36,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.

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.