University of Central Arkansas vs. Harding University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Harding University is in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting).
• University of Central 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 Central Arkansas 15:1; Harding University 13:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Harding University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central 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 Central Arkansas than Harding University ($16,546 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 0.5% lower than at University of Central Arkansas ($9,060 vs. $9,110).
• Harding University is 149.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $15,739 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.7% higher at Harding University than at University of Central Arkansas (about $8,239 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harding University than at University of Central Arkansas (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 88.3% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($16,763 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Harding University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Central 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 University of Central Arkansas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 130 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at University of Central Arkansas).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Harding University 1050/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Harding University 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Harding University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at University of Central Arkansas (3.7).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 44.6% at Harding University.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Harding University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central 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 Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $5,585 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($21,415 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($221 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Central Arkansas students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 57%)

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.