Harding University vs. OU

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with University of Oklahoma Norman Campus in Norman, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (30,851 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is in Norman, OK (Small Suburban setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; University of Oklahoma Norman Campus 18:1.

Harding University vs. OU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or OU? 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 Oklahoma Norman Campus than Harding University ($18,574 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 33.5% lower than at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus ($9,060 vs. $13,630).
• Harding University is 168.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than OU (about $16,465 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $9,797.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at OU than at Harding University (about $1,115 more per year; $27,377.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus than at Harding University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 47.6% larger than aid received by University of Oklahoma Norman Campus students ($16,763 vs. $11,356).

Harding University vs. OU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus (1240) is 70 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming OU 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 Oklahoma Norman Campus 1140/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; University of Oklahoma Norman Campus 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; OU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: OU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at OU (3.66).
• OU has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 29.3% at OU.

Harding University vs. OU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and OU? 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 Oklahoma Norman Campus's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Oklahoma Norman Campus graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, OU graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 68%)

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.