Harding University vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

University of Memphis is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (20,276 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); University of Memphis is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Memphis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; University of Memphis 16:1.

Harding University vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Memphis? 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 Memphis than Harding University ($12,756 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 20.1% lower than at University of Memphis ($9,060 vs. $11,342).
• Harding University is 144.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $15,534 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.7% higher at Harding University than at University of Memphis (about $10,878 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at University of Memphis (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 42.1% larger than aid received by University of Memphis students ($16,763 vs. $11,793).

Harding University vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 120 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• Memphis has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

Harding University vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Memphis? 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 Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Memphis graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($25,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Memphis graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($261 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 37%)

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.