Harding University
Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70.5%, an average net price of $19,786, and an overall rank of #482 (Grade B+). About 71.0% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $55,952 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Harding University is a private nonprofit university in Searcy, AR. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 86.4% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 63.0%, roughly 13.1 points higher than typical outcomes. 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 71.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 69.4% and keeps 86.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- 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
Est. annual aid gap: $19,865 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $27,282 |
| Books and Supplies | $688 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,124 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,242 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $39,651 |
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 26.3% 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 $17,711 to $26,220 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 $25,661/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,220/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $55,952
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,146
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $24,329
- Debt-to-Earnings ~43.5%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.8%
- Employment Rate 92.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Harding University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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: Harding University graduates earn $55,952 median five years after graduation, 9% below the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
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 94.8%
- Part-Time Students 5.2%
- Retention Rate 86.4%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 71.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 69.4%
- 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, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 7.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.5%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.8%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 5.0%
- Psychology, General 4.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.5%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 4.3%
- Computer Science 3.8%
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 $108,891
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $91,192
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $88,505
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $85,506
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $77,271
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $71,503
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $69,991
- 8. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness $66,087
- 9. Journalism $64,191
- 10. Marketing $62,042
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $126,109
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $125,798
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $114,759
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree) $79,536
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $68,605
- 6. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $61,653
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $53,285
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $52,042
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $49,199
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $108,891—76% more than Marketing ($62,042). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $126,109 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree, 60 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 40 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (68 programs)â–Ľ
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- International Business
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Biology, General
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
- Journalism
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Political Science and Government
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- Civil Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Special Education and Teaching
- English Language and Literature, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Education, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer Engineering
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Public Administration
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Physics
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Information Science/Studies
- Housing and Human Environments
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Chemistry
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- International/Globalization Studies
- Human Biology
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Security Science and Technology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Data Science
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Online Master's Degrees (19 programs)â–Ľ
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Behavioral Sciences
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Education, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–Ľ
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–Ľ
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–Ľ
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,382
- Full-Time Students 94.8%
- Part-Time Students 5.2%
- Male Students 46.2%
- Female Students 53.8%
- Caucasian 79.8%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 4.8%
- Black 4.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 26.3%
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.
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 63.0% ROI. Ranked #482 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $19,786 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $55,952 median earnings. With 71.0% graduating within 150% of normal time 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 #482 ranking, Harding University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $19,786 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 $13,850 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 63.0% ROI and $55,952 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $9,786+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Harding University ranks #482 of 1955 institutions, with 994 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
- 71.0% graduation rate sits 8.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.4% first-year retention is 9.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 63.0% return on investment is 13.1 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,952 run about 9% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $19,786 is roughly $95 lower than the national median of $19,881.
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.
- 92.5% employment rate within three years sits 24.3 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 26.3% trails the national share by 12.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- 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 #482 overall Completion earns A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings 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; 71.0% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 69.4%. Return on investment currently measures 63.0% 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 $19,786 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $39,651.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $19,865 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $24,329 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 26.3% 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 $55,952 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 9% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 92.5% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 63.0%, 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Harding University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/harding-university/
MLA (9th): “Harding University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/harding-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Harding University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/harding-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harding University's acceptance rate?
Harding University's acceptance rate is 70.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Harding University cost?
At Harding University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,786 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $39,651 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $27,282. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Harding University's ranking?
Harding University ranks #482 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Harding University's graduation rate?
At Harding University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 71.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 69.4%, and first-year retention is 86.4%.
What are Harding University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Harding University report median earnings of $55,952 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Harding University's student population?
Harding University enrolls about 3,382 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 915 E. Market Ave., 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 Rate20.2%