Harding University vs. Mississippi State

Comparable Facts

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

Mississippi State University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (23,150 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Mississippi State University is in Mississippi State, MS (Rural Fringe setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mississippi State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Mississippi State University 16:1.

Harding University vs. Mississippi State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Mississippi State? 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 Mississippi State University than Harding University ($18,478 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 29.8% lower than at Mississippi State University ($9,060 vs. $12,902).
• Harding University is 157.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mississippi State (about $16,060 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $10,202.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at Mississippi State than at Harding University (about $1,375 more per year; $27,637.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Mississippi State University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 21% larger than aid received by Mississippi State University students ($16,763 vs. $13,852).

Harding University vs. Mississippi State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mississippi State University (1230) is 60 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Mississippi State 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 State University 1100/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Mississippi State University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Mississippi State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mississippi State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Mississippi State (3.58).
• Mississippi State has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 19.8% at Mississippi State.

Harding University vs. Mississippi State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Mississippi State? 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 State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mississippi State University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mississippi State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mississippi State 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 Mississippi State students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 63%)

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.