Arkansas vs. Harding University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Arkansas is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (33,610 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); Harding University is in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting).
• University of Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas 20:1; Harding University 13:1.

Arkansas vs. Harding University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas or Harding 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 University of Arkansas than Harding University ($18,408 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 36.4% lower than at University of Arkansas ($9,060 vs. $14,244).
• Harding University is 159.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas (about $16,158 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.1% higher at Arkansas than at Harding University (about $3,704 more per year; $29,966.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at University of Arkansas (98% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 90.4% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas students ($16,763 vs. $8,804).

Arkansas vs. Harding University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 40 points higher than at Arkansas (1130).
• Incoming Arkansas students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Harding University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; Harding University 1050/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 21/28; Harding University 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; Harding University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Harding University (3.71).
• Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 44.6% at Harding University.

Arkansas vs. Harding University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas and Harding 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 University of Arkansas's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Arkansas graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 66%)

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.