Harding University vs. North Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with North Central College in Naperville, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); North Central College is in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; North Central College 12:1.

Harding University vs. North Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or North Central College? 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 North Central College ($22,806 vs. $23,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 38.3% lower than at North Central College ($9,060 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 74.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $19,464 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.1% higher at North Central College than at Harding University (about $19,464 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 103.2% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($34,056 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. North Central College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or North Central College? 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 North Central College and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central College (1180) is 10 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming North Central College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; North Central College 1055/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; North Central College 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; North Central College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at North Central College (3.6).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 13.6% at North Central College.

Harding University vs. North Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and North Central College? 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from North Central College earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 71%)

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.