Harding University vs. LSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Louisiana State University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Louisiana State University is in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Louisiana State University 21:1.

Harding University vs. LSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or LSU? 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 Louisiana State University than Harding University ($21,430 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 40.2% lower than at Louisiana State University ($9,060 vs. $15,142).
• Harding University is 119.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $14,308 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at LSU than at Harding University (about $2,369 more per year; $28,631.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Louisiana State University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 18.9% larger than aid received by Louisiana State University students ($16,763 vs. $14,094).

Harding University vs. LSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is 90 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming LSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Louisiana State University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Louisiana State University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; LSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• LSU has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 23% at LSU.

Harding University vs. LSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and LSU? 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 Louisiana State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Louisiana State University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $6,100 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($20,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 67%)

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.