Harding University vs. OBU

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than OBU based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 1,858 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Ouachita Baptist University is in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ouachita Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Ouachita Baptist University 14:1.

Harding University vs. OBU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or OBU? 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 OBU ($22,806 vs. $24,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 6.8% lower than at Ouachita Baptist University ($9,060 vs. $9,720).
• Ouachita Baptist University is 31.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $8,238 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.4% higher at OBU than at Harding University (about $8,238 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ouachita Baptist University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ouachita Baptist University students is 36.2% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($22,830 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. OBU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or OBU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between OBU and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Ouachita Baptist University (1180) is 10 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming OBU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Harding University 1050/1290; Ouachita Baptist University 1070/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Harding University 20/29; Ouachita Baptist University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; OBU - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman OBU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than OBU (67.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 28.9% at OBU.

Harding University vs. OBU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and OBU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• The graduation rate at Harding University is the same as at Ouachita Baptist University (63% vs. 63%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than OBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ouachita Baptist University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OBU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More OBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.