Harding University vs. KU

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kansas is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); University of Kansas is in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; University of Kansas 18:1.

Harding University vs. KU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or KU? 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 University of Kansas than Harding University ($19,205 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 20.2% lower than at University of Kansas ($9,060 vs. $11,358).
• Harding University is 117% more expensive for in-state tuition than KU (about $14,160 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $12,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.9% higher at KU than at Harding University (about $4,170 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at University of Kansas (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 45.2% larger than aid received by University of Kansas students ($16,763 vs. $11,541).

Harding University vs. KU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kansas (1190) is 20 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Harding University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at KU (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; University of Kansas 1070/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; University of Kansas 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; KU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at KU (3.66).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 25.5% at KU.

Harding University vs. KU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and KU? 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 University of Kansas's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU 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.