Harding University vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

University of Missouri Columbia is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (31,543 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

Harding University vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri Columbia than Harding University ($22,169 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 33.9% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($9,060 vs. $13,700).
• Harding University is 77% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Missouri-Columbia (about $11,425 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $14,837.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.3% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at Harding University (about $9,794 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at University of Missouri Columbia (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 27% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students ($16,763 vs. $13,203).

Harding University vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri-Columbia and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri Columbia (1240) is 70 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming University of Missouri-Columbia 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; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

Harding University vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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).

• University of Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Columbia earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $5,117 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($21,883 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($226 vs. $279).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.