Harding University vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Widener University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Harding University vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Widener 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 Widener University ($22,806 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 45.2% lower than at Widener University ($9,060 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 112.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $29,468 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 112.2% higher at Widener University than at Harding University (about $29,468 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 160.7% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($43,706 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 20 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Widener University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Harding University vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Widener 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 Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Widener University and Harding University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Widener University and Harding University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University 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.