Harding University vs. Principia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Principia College in Elsah, Illinois on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Principia College is in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Principia College 6:1.

Harding University vs. Principia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Principia 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 Principia College than Harding University ($18,248 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 34.9% lower than at Principia College ($9,060 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 32.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $8,418 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.1% higher at Principia College than at Harding University (about $8,418 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Principia College (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 81.4% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($30,402 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Principia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or Principia 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 Principia College and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Principia College (1150).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Principia College 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Principia College 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Principia College - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Harding University vs. Principia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Principia 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).

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.