Harding University vs. MC

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Mississippi College in Clinton, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than MC based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 4,164 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Mississippi College is in Clinton, MS (Large Suburban setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mississippi College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Mississippi College 14:1.

Harding University vs. MC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or MC? 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 MC ($22,806 vs. $28,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 43.8% lower than at Mississippi College ($9,060 vs. $16,120).
• Harding University is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than MC (about $2,762 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $23,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Harding University than at Mississippi College (about $2,762 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $23,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mississippi College than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 32.2% larger than aid received by Mississippi College students ($16,763 vs. $12,676).

Harding University vs. MC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mississippi College (1200) is 30 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming MC 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; Mississippi College 1140/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Mississippi College 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; MC - Required.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at MC (3.56).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than MC (29.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 91% at MC.

Harding University vs. MC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and MC? 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 Mississippi College's (51%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $700 more per year than MC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $44,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mississippi College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MC graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MC students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 59%)

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.