Harding University vs. Truman State

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Truman State University in Kirksville, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Truman State based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 3,664 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Truman State University is in Kirksville, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Truman State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Truman State University 12:1.

Harding University vs. Truman State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Truman State? 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 Truman State University than Harding University ($13,602 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 18.6% lower than at Truman State University ($9,060 vs. $11,128).
• Harding University is 166.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Truman State (about $16,424 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $9,838.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.5% higher at Harding University than at Truman State University (about $7,696 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $18,566.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Truman State University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 37.6% larger than aid received by Truman State University students ($16,763 vs. $12,186).

Harding University vs. Truman State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Truman State University (1270) is 100 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Truman State students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Truman State University 1170/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Truman State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Truman State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Truman State students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Truman State has a higher acceptance rate (83.8%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 25.9% at Truman State.

Harding University vs. Truman State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Truman State? 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).

• Truman State University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from Truman State University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Truman State University graduates have a $4,344 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($22,656 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Truman State graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Truman State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.