Harding University vs. OC

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than OC based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 2,851 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Oklahoma Christian University is in Edmond, OK (Large City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Oklahoma Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Oklahoma Christian University 19:1.

Harding University vs. OC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or OC? 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 Oklahoma Christian University than Harding University ($22,391 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 0.7% lower than at Oklahoma Christian University ($9,060 vs. $9,120).
• Oklahoma Christian University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $918 more per year; $27,180.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at OC than at Harding University (about $918 more per year; $27,180.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oklahoma Christian University than at Harding University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by Oklahoma Christian University students ($16,763 vs. $16,641).

Harding University vs. OC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 30 points higher than at OC (1140).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at OC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Oklahoma Christian University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Oklahoma Christian University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; OC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at OC (3.62).
• OC has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 36.1% at OC.

Harding University vs. OC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and OC? 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 Oklahoma Christian University's (45%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than OC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oklahoma Christian University graduates have a $3,348 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($23,652 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OC graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($244 vs. $279).
• More OC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.