Harding University vs. JU

Comparable Facts

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

Harding University is larger than JU based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 4,247 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Harding University vs. JU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or JU? 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 JU ($22,806 vs. $24,238).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 47.4% lower than at Jacksonville University ($9,060 vs. $17,210).
• Jacksonville University is 82.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $21,568 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.1% higher at JU than at Harding University (about $21,568 more per year; $47,830.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jacksonville University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Jacksonville University students is 137.8% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($39,859 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. JU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Jacksonville University (1190) is 20 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Harding University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at JU (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Jacksonville University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Jacksonville University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; JU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at JU (3.61).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than JU (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 16.3% at JU.

Harding University vs. JU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and JU? 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 Jacksonville University's (40%).
• Graduates from Jacksonville University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jacksonville University graduates have a $4,379 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($22,621 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($233 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 54%)

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.