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Arkansas State University vs Harding University

Arkansas State University is a public university in Jonesboro, AR, and Harding University is a private university in Searcy, AR. Harding University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 82% at Arkansas State University. Arkansas State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,366 a year against $22,130 at Harding University. About 70% of students graduate at Harding University, compared with 55% at Arkansas State University. Ten years after enrolling, Harding University alumni earn a median of about $52,876, against $42,617 for Arkansas State University.

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Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public

Harding University

Searcy, AR · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Jonesboro, AR
Searcy, AR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
9,110
3,382
Acceptance rate
82%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1190
1050–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
20–29
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,366
$22,130
Full cost / yr
$25,082
$39,534
In-state tuition
$8,090
$26,262
Out-of-state tuition
$14,522
$26,262
Application fee
$30
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,098
$15,418
$30k - $48k
$9,255
$17,430
$48k - $75k
$12,205
$19,832
$75k - $110k
$15,839
$22,017
Over $110k
$16,444
$26,284
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
70%
Freshman retention
78%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,944
$43,555
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,617
$52,876
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$26,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
24%
First-generation students
39%
21%
International students
10%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Nov 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Arkansas State University or Harding University harder to get into?
Harding University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 82% at Arkansas State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or Harding University?
Arkansas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,366 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,130 at Harding University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Arkansas State University and Harding University?
Before aid, Arkansas State University costs about $25,082 a year and Harding University about $39,534. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Arkansas State University or Harding University?
Arkansas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,098 there, against about $15,418 at Harding University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Arkansas State University or Harding University?
Arkansas State University is the larger of the two, with about 9,110 undergraduates against 3,382 at Harding University.
Does Arkansas State University or Harding University have a better graduation rate?
Harding University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 55% at Arkansas State University.
Do graduates of Arkansas State University or Harding University earn more?
Harding University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,876 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,617 for Arkansas State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Arkansas State University and Harding University require SAT or ACT scores?
Arkansas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Harding University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Arkansas State University and Harding University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1190 at Arkansas State University and 1050–1290 at Harding University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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