Harding University vs. Fisher

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Fisher based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 3,693 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); St. John Fisher University is in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. John Fisher University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; St. John Fisher University 11:1.

Harding University vs. Fisher Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Fisher? 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 Fisher ($22,806 vs. $30,540).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 39.2% lower than at St. John Fisher University ($9,060 vs. $14,908).
• St. John Fisher University is 56.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $14,928 more per year; $41,190.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.8% higher at Fisher than at Harding University (about $14,928 more per year; $41,190.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St. John Fisher University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St. John Fisher University students is 46.3% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($24,530 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Fisher Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at St. John Fisher University (1210) is 40 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Fisher students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; St. John Fisher University 1120/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; St. John Fisher University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Fisher - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Fisher (3.53).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Fisher (66.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 20.3% at Fisher.

Harding University vs. Fisher Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• St. John Fisher University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from St. John Fisher University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, St. John Fisher University graduates have a $3,100 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($23,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fisher graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($247 vs. $279).
• More Fisher 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.