Harding University vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

Harding University vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University ($22,806 vs. $25,753).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 1.8% lower than at Harding University ($8,900 vs. $9,060).
• Southern Adventist University is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $1,038 more per year; $27,300.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at Southern Adventist University than at Harding University (about $1,038 more per year; $27,300.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at Harding University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 29.9% larger than aid received by Southern Adventist University students ($16,763 vs. $12,904).

Harding University vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 10 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Southern Adventist University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Harding University vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Southern Adventist University? 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 Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Adventist University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Adventist University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 63%)

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.