Harding University vs. UL Lafayette

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Lafayette, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (15,665 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); University of Louisiana at Lafayette is in Lafayette, LA (Midsize City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; University of Louisiana at Lafayette 18:1.

Harding University vs. UL Lafayette Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or UL Lafayette? 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 Louisiana at Lafayette than Harding University ($13,017 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 25.2% lower than at University of Louisiana at Lafayette ($9,060 vs. $12,108).
• Harding University is 152.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UL Lafayette (about $15,844 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $10,418.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.8% higher at Harding University than at University of Louisiana at Lafayette (about $2,116 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $24,146.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at University of Louisiana at Lafayette (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 42.5% larger than aid received by University of Louisiana at Lafayette students ($16,763 vs. $11,762).

Harding University vs. UL Lafayette Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Louisiana at Lafayette (1180) is 10 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming UL Lafayette students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; University of Louisiana at Lafayette 1120/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; University of Louisiana at Lafayette 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; UL Lafayette - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at UL Lafayette (3.4).
• UL Lafayette has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 31.7% at UL Lafayette.

Harding University vs. UL Lafayette Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and UL Lafayette? 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 Louisiana at Lafayette's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Louisiana at Lafayette earn a median of about $200 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UL Lafayette graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UL Lafayette students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 55%)

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.