Harding University vs. Western New England University

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Western New England University in Springfield, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Western New England University based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 3,674 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Western New England University is in Springfield, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western New England University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Western New England University 12:1.

Harding University vs. Western New England University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Western New England University? 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 Western New England University ($22,806 vs. $27,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 41.8% lower than at Western New England University ($9,060 vs. $15,570).
• Western New England University is 82.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $21,558 more per year; $47,820.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.1% higher at Western New England University than at Harding University (about $21,558 more per year; $47,820.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at Western New England University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western New England University students is 97.3% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($33,067 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Western New England University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or Western New England University? 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 Western New England University and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western New England University (1200) is 30 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Harding University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Western New England University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Western New England University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Western New England University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Western New England University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Western New England University (3.49).
• Western New England University has a higher acceptance rate (83.5%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 12.5% at Western New England University.

Harding University vs. Western New England University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Western New England University? 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 Western New England University's (61%).
• Graduates from Western New England University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western New England University and Harding University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Western New England University and Harding University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Western New England University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.