Harding University vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Rockhurst based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 3,577 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Rockhurst University is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Rockhurst University 12:1.

Harding University vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst ($22,806 vs. $25,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 24% lower than at Rockhurst University ($9,060 vs. $11,920).
• Rockhurst University is 71.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $18,704 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.2% higher at Rockhurst than at Harding University (about $18,704 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rockhurst University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 106.2% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($34,562 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 10 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Harding University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Rockhurst (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Rockhurst (3.62).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

Harding University vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Rockhurst? 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).

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Rockhurst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.