Harding University vs. ORU

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oral Roberts University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (5,936 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Oral Roberts University is in Tulsa, OK (Large City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Oral Roberts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Oral Roberts University 18:1.

Harding University vs. ORU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or ORU? 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 ORU ($22,806 vs. $25,808).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 9% lower than at Oral Roberts University ($9,060 vs. $9,960).
• Oral Roberts University is 35.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $9,208 more per year; $35,470.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.1% higher at ORU than at Harding University (about $9,208 more per year; $35,470.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Harding University as at Oral Roberts University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oral Roberts University students is 44.3% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($24,184 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. ORU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oral Roberts University (1220) is 50 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming ORU 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; Oral Roberts University 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Oral Roberts University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; ORU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at ORU (3.5).
• ORU has a higher acceptance rate (98.9%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 18.8% at ORU.

Harding University vs. ORU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and ORU? 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 Oral Roberts University's (56%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than ORU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harding University graduates have a $2,244 lower median loan debt than ORU graduates ($27,000 vs. $29,244).
• Among borrowers, Harding University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ORU graduates ($279 vs. $302).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ORU 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.