Harding University vs. Rust College

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Rust College in Holly Springs, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Rust College based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 467 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Rust College is in Holly Springs, MS (Distant Town setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rust College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Rust College 10:1.

Harding University vs. Rust College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Rust 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 Rust College than Harding University ($12,037 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 31.4% lower than at Harding University ($6,217 vs. $9,060).
• Harding University is 98% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rust College (about $12,997 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98% higher at Harding University than at Rust College (about $12,997 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Rust College (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 52.5% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($16,763 vs. $10,993).

Harding University vs. Rust College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 280 points higher than at Rust College (890).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 17 at Rust College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Rust College 440/1339.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Rust College 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Rust College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 1.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Rust College (2.66).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Rust College (48.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 6.4% at Rust College.

Harding University vs. Rust College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Rust 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).

• Harding University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Rust College's (28%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $19,700 more per year than Rust College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $25,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harding University graduates have a $837 lower median loan debt than Rust College graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,837).
• Among borrowers, Harding University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rust College graduates ($279 vs. $287).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rust College students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 21%)

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.