Harding University
Harding University is a private nonprofit university in Searcy, AR ranked #460 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 3,382 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 70.5%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.4% first-year retention, and 68.8% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $22,130, about $5,132 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.8%, roughly 136.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $43,555. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Harding University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Harding University graduates 68.8% of students within six years and keeps 86.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Harding University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $26,262 |
| Books and Supplies | $598 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,060 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,066 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $39,534 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.8% of Harding University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,418 to $26,284 depending on family income. Use Harding University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,017/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,284/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $43,555
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,555
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,601
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.8%
- Employment Rate 89.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Harding University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Harding University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Harding University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Harding University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Harding University graduates earn $43,555 median, the -50.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 530-660
- SAT Math 520-630
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,382
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.4%
- Graduation Rate 68.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Harding University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Harding University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 70.5%, Harding University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 70.5% acceptance rate, Harding University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1050 and 1290 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Harding University undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Accounting and Related Services, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.9%
- Accounting and Related Services 6.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.4%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 5.1%
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 4.6%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.2%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.1%
- Computer Science 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $97,126
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $89,324
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $87,632
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $81,011
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $79,712
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $69,427
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $65,114
- 8. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $63,587
- 9. Marketing $62,231
- 10. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $60,387
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (First Professional Degree) $143,690
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $117,575
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $98,354
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $95,838
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree) $77,737
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $77,101
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $53,414
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $52,241
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $47,603
- 10. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $46,164
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $97,126—61% more than Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($60,387). Graduate: Health/Medical Preparatory Programs programs lead with $143,690 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Harding University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 65 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 61 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 51 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (69 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Psychology, General
- Computer Science
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Marketing
- International Business
- Mechanical Engineering
- Social Work
- Design and Applied Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Education, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- History
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Human Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Music
- Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Public Administration
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Journalism
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Economics
- Computer Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Social Sciences, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Physics
- International/Global Studies
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Religious Education
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Housing and Human Environments
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Civil Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Behavioral Sciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,382
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.2%
- Female Students 53.8%
- Caucasian 79.8%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 4.8%
- Black 4.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Harding University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Harding University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Harding University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Harding University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 79.8% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 23.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Harding University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Harding University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Harding University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.8% ROI. Ranked #460 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,130 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $43,555 median earnings. With 68.8% graduating within six years and 86.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Harding University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #460 ranking, Harding University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,130 annually, Harding University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 86.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,491 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.8% ROI and $43,555 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,130+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Harding University ranks #460 of 1942 institutions, with 1115 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 68.8% six-year graduation rate sits 6.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.4% first-year retention is 9.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.8% return on investment is 136.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $43,555 run about 0% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,130 is roughly $2,112 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.2% employment rate within three years sits 21.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,130 is about $2,112 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.8% trails the national share by 10.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Harding University is a private nonprofit university based in Searcy, AR and earns a B+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #460 nationally Completion earns A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 86.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 68.8% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -50.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,130 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $39,534.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $17,404 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,601 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $43,555 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 0% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 89.2% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -50.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
70.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Harding University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Searcy, AR 72149-5615
- Website www.harding.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$212.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.3%