Harding University vs. Eckerd College

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Eckerd College based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 1,893 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Harding University vs. Eckerd College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Eckerd 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 Eckerd College ($22,806 vs. $43,884).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 38.5% lower than at Eckerd College ($9,060 vs. $14,734).
• Eckerd College is 97.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $25,622 more per year; $51,884.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.6% higher at Eckerd College than at Harding University (about $25,622 more per year; $51,884.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eckerd College than at Harding University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eckerd College students is 48% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($24,813 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Eckerd College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eckerd College (1250) is 80 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Eckerd 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; Eckerd College 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Eckerd College 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Eckerd College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Eckerd College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Eckerd College has a higher acceptance rate (75.8%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 12.3% at Eckerd College.

Harding University vs. Eckerd College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Eckerd 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).

• The graduation rate at Harding University is the same as at Eckerd College (63% vs. 63%).
• Graduates from Eckerd College earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,400 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eckerd College and Harding University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Eckerd College 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 Eckerd College students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 65%)

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.