Harding University vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

Harding University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; McKendree University 16:1.

Harding University vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or McKendree 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 McKendree University than Harding University ($22,444 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 28.9% lower than at McKendree University ($9,060 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 32.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $8,478 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.3% higher at McKendree University than at Harding University (about $8,478 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at McKendree University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 55.7% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($26,102 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 100 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; McKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

Harding University vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and McKendree 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).

• Harding University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 58%)

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.