Harding University vs. Rhodes College

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Rhodes College in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Rhodes College based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 1,861 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Rhodes College is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rhodes College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Rhodes College 9:1.

Harding University vs. Rhodes College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Rhodes 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 Rhodes College ($22,806 vs. $31,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 33.5% lower than at Rhodes College ($9,060 vs. $13,620).
• Rhodes College is 117.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $30,848 more per year; $57,110.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117.5% higher at Rhodes College than at Harding University (about $30,848 more per year; $57,110.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rhodes College than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rhodes College students is 139.7% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($40,180 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Rhodes College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rhodes College (1390) is 220 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Rhodes College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Rhodes College 1300/1486.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Rhodes College 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Rhodes College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rhodes College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rhodes College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Rhodes College (50.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 12.1% at Rhodes College.

Harding University vs. Rhodes College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Rhodes 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).

• Rhodes College's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rhodes College earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,400 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rhodes College graduates have a $783 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($26,217 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rhodes College graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Rhodes College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.