Harding University vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Harding University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Union University 9:1.

Harding University vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Union 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 Union University ($22,806 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 29.1% lower than at Union University ($9,060 vs. $12,780).
• Union University is 52.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $13,763 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.4% higher at Union University than at Harding University (about $13,763 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 79.7% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($30,120 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 110 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Union University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Harding University vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 66%)

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.