Harding University vs. Elon

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Elon University is in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Elon University 11:1.

Harding University vs. Elon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Elon? 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 Elon ($22,806 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 39.5% lower than at Elon University ($9,060 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 78.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $20,696 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.8% higher at Elon than at Harding University (about $20,696 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Elon University (98% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 6.6% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($17,867 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Elon Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 40 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Elon students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Elon University 1130/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Elon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 13.4% at Elon.

Harding University vs. Elon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.