Harding University vs. University of Scranton

Comparable Facts

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

University of Scranton is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (4,724 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); University of Scranton is in Scranton, PA (Small City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Scranton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; University of Scranton 11:1.

Harding University vs. University of Scranton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or University of Scranton? 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 Harding University than University of Scranton ($22,806 vs. $34,234).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 47.9% lower than at University of Scranton ($9,060 vs. $17,380).
• University of Scranton is 105.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $27,721 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.6% higher at University of Scranton than at Harding University (about $27,721 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at University of Scranton (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Scranton students is 112.4% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($35,606 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. University of Scranton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Scranton (1240) is 70 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming University of Scranton students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; University of Scranton 1160/1318.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; University of Scranton 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; University of Scranton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at University of Scranton (3.56).
• University of Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 11.3% at University of Scranton.

Harding University vs. University of Scranton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and University of Scranton? 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 Scranton's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of Scranton earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Scranton and Harding University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, University of Scranton and Harding University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More University of Scranton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.