Harding University vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Harding University vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Stephens 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 Stephens College ($22,806 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 32.2% lower than at Stephens College ($9,060 vs. $13,366).
• Stephens College is 7.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $2,038 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.8% higher at Stephens College than at Harding University (about $2,038 more per year; $28,300.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stephens College students is 39.2% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($23,341 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 30 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Harding University vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Stephens 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 Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stephens College and Harding University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Stephens College and Harding University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College 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.