At $20,579/yr net price, Harding University graduates earn $52,876/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,876/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,579 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,876/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,876/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,473/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,466/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,528/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,084/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,563/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Doctoral | $124,539 | $221,398 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $106,978 | $127,251 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,618 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,101 | $25,230 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,104 | $24,149 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $27,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $29,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,047 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $27,250 |
The Risk Factor
70.9% of students at Harding University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Harding University delivers solid financial returns for health-focused students but leaves other majors with questionable value. The $52,876 median earnings against a $20,579 annual net price creates a reasonable payback timeline for most graduates.
Health and medical preparatory programs generate the highest returns at $124,539 annually, though you'll carry substantial debt of $221,398. Allied health diagnostic programs offer strong earnings of $106,978 with more manageable debt at $127,251. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions hit $68,618 without reported debt burdens. These healthcare pathways justify the investment given Arkansas's growing medical sector.
Business administration and computer science both clear $66,000 annually with modest debt loads around $25,000, making them financially safe choices. Liberal arts and education majors face weaker prospects in Arkansas's limited job market.
The 70.9% graduation rate creates dropout risk, particularly concerning given the private school premium. Only 19.2% of students receive aid, suggesting limited financial support beyond standard federal programs. Merit scholarships exist but competition remains intense.
You should consider Harding if you're pursuing healthcare careers or can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing. The strong retention rate of 86.6% indicates student satisfaction, but you'll pay premium prices for programs available elsewhere at lower cost. Skip Harding if you need substantial financial aid or plan to major outside business, technology, or health fields where regional job opportunities remain thin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harding University worth the cost?
Harding University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Health and medical prep programs lead to strong earnings over $100,000, but the overall 10-year median salary of $52,876 is modest for the $20,579 annual cost.
What majors at Harding University have the best ROI?
Health and medical preparatory programs top the list at $124,539 in median earnings, followed by allied health diagnostics at $106,978. Business and computer science majors earn significantly less at around $66,000-67,000.
How much debt do Harding University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $26,500, which is manageable if you're in a high-earning health program but could be challenging for lower-paying majors. About 29% of students don't graduate within six years, risking debt without a degree.
Does Harding University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $20,579 per year represents significant aid from the full sticker price. However, this still requires careful planning since many programs don't lead to high enough salaries to easily repay loans.