Harding University vs. John Brown University

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than John Brown University based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 2,350 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); John Brown University is in Siloam Springs, AR (Rural Fringe setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. John Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; John Brown University 15:1.

Harding University vs. John Brown University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or John Brown University? 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 John Brown University than Harding University ($21,537 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 12.6% lower than at John Brown University ($9,060 vs. $10,362).
• John Brown University is 20.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $5,494 more per year; $31,756.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at John Brown University than at Harding University (about $5,494 more per year; $31,756.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Brown University than at Harding University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Brown University students is 38.2% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($23,173 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. John Brown University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Brown University (1210) is 40 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Harding University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at John Brown University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; John Brown University 1070/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; John Brown University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; John Brown University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman John Brown University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• John Brown University has a higher acceptance rate (76.1%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 30.9% at John Brown University.

Harding University vs. John Brown University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and John Brown University? 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).

• John Brown University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from John Brown University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, John Brown University graduates have a $5,057 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($21,943 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, John Brown University graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($226 vs. $279).
• More John Brown University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.