About Harding University
The average student pays $20,579 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 see costs drop to just $16,473. Graduates earn a median of $52,876 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,500 manageable with monthly payments around $281. The investment pays off with a 97.2% employment rate among recent graduates.
Campus life revolves around the university's 14 NCAA Division II sports teams and extensive mission opportunities. Students can choose from over $4.2 million in athletic scholarships, while 79.7% of the student body is white and 27.3% comes from Arkansas. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships that extend far beyond academics into spiritual development.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 70.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.9%
- Retention Rate
- 86.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,876
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Doctoral | $124,539 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $106,978 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,618 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,101 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,104 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $58,221 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,221 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,047 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
Campus Life
Arkansas weather means students pack both winter coats for occasional snow and plenty of summer clothes for humid 90-degree days. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that extend beyond academics into spiritual development. Weekend social life revolves around campus events, intramural sports, and church activities rather than typical college party scenes. Students often participate in mission trips and service projects that reflect the university's emphasis on Christian service. The Great American Conference provides NCAA Division II athletic competition, with 442 student-athletes representing the Bisons across 14 sports. Campus traditions include Spring Sing, a beloved musical competition that draws families and alumni back to Searcy each year.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,687 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1924
Campus Safety (2023)
23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–49°F
- July Avg
- 72°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.4%
- Women
- 54.6%
- White
- 79.7%
- Black
- 5.0%
- Hispanic
- 4.5%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 27.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.2%
Location
- Address
- Searcy, Arkansas 72149-5615
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,876
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,368
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $281/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Harding University?
Harding accepts 45% of applicants who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1040-1300 on the SAT. This Christian university in Arkansas draws students seeking a faith-based education with strong academic standards.
How much does Harding University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,579 after aid, well below the sticker price of $35,340. About 22% of students receive institutional grants averaging $14,682. The university keeps costs manageable for families seeking a private Christian education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Harding University?
Harding maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,323 students. The university emphasizes both rigorous academics and Christian formation through Bible study requirements. Students benefit from small class sizes while pursuing liberal arts degrees grounded in faith.
What do graduates of Harding University typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $52,876 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 97.2%, reflecting strong job placement among graduates. Harding's emphasis on character development alongside academics appeals to employers seeking well-rounded candidates.
Where is Harding University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Searcy, Arkansas, a small town setting that houses 2,687 students in residence halls. About 27% of students come from Arkansas while the majority travel from across the country. The close-knit community centers around Christian fellowship and service opportunities.
Does Harding University have strong athletic programs?
The Bisons compete in NCAA Division II with 14 varsity sports and 442 student-athletes. The university awards $4.3 million in athletic scholarships annually. Athletics complement Harding's mission of developing well-rounded Christian leaders through competition and teamwork.
