Harding University vs. Missouri State University-Springfield

Comparable Facts

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

Missouri State University Springfield is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (24,360 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Missouri State University Springfield is in Springfield, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri State University Springfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Missouri State University Springfield 21:1.

Harding University vs. Missouri State University-Springfield Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Missouri State University-Springfield? 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 Missouri State University Springfield than Harding University ($17,181 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 17.7% lower than at Missouri State University Springfield ($9,060 vs. $11,006).
• Harding University is 176.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Missouri State University-Springfield (about $16,760 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $9,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.9% higher at Harding University than at Missouri State University Springfield (about $7,492 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $18,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Missouri State University Springfield (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 91.1% larger than aid received by Missouri State University Springfield students ($16,763 vs. $8,770).

Harding University vs. Missouri State University-Springfield Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or Missouri State University-Springfield? 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 Missouri State University-Springfield and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Missouri State University-Springfield (1150).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Missouri State University-Springfield).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Missouri State University Springfield 1020/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Missouri State University Springfield 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Missouri State University-Springfield - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Missouri State University-Springfield students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Missouri State University-Springfield has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 25.6% at Missouri State University-Springfield.

Harding University vs. Missouri State University-Springfield Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Missouri State University-Springfield? 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 Missouri State University Springfield's (55%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Missouri State University-Springfield graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Missouri State University Springfield graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Missouri State University-Springfield graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Missouri State University-Springfield 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.