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Harding University vs Ouachita Baptist University

Harding University is a private university in Searcy, AR, and Ouachita Baptist University is a private university in Arkadelphia, AR. Ouachita Baptist University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 68% of applicants against 71% at Harding University. Harding University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,130 a year against $22,409 at Ouachita Baptist University. About 70% of students graduate at Harding University, compared with 66% at Ouachita Baptist University. Ten years after enrolling, Harding University alumni earn a median of about $52,876, against $51,673 for Ouachita Baptist University.

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Harding University

Searcy, AR · Private

Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Searcy, AR
Arkadelphia, AR
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,382
1,602
Acceptance rate
71%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1290
1070–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
20–29
22–28
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,130
$22,409
Full cost / yr
$39,534
$47,321
In-state tuition
$26,262
$34,500
Out-of-state tuition
$26,262
$34,500
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,418
$15,207
$30k - $48k
$17,430
$15,954
$48k - $75k
$19,832
$18,007
$75k - $110k
$22,017
$19,151
Over $110k
$26,284
$26,281
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
66%
Freshman retention
86%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,555
$41,697
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,876
$51,673
Median debt at graduation
$26,500
$21,050
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
23%
First-generation students
21%
24%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 1
Jul 31

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 Harding University or Ouachita Baptist University harder to get into?
Ouachita Baptist University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 71% at Harding 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, Harding University or Ouachita Baptist University?
Harding University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,130 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,409 at Ouachita Baptist 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 Harding University and Ouachita Baptist University?
Before aid, Harding University costs about $39,534 a year and Ouachita Baptist University about $47,321. 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, Harding University or Ouachita Baptist University?
Ouachita Baptist University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,207 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, Harding University or Ouachita Baptist University?
Harding University is the larger of the two, with about 3,382 undergraduates against 1,602 at Ouachita Baptist University.
Does Harding University or Ouachita Baptist University have a better graduation rate?
Harding University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 66% at Ouachita Baptist University.
Do graduates of Harding University or Ouachita Baptist University earn more?
Harding University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,876 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,673 for Ouachita Baptist University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harding University and Ouachita Baptist University require SAT or ACT scores?
Harding University requires SAT or ACT scores. Ouachita Baptist University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Harding University and Ouachita Baptist University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1050–1290 at Harding University and 1070–1280 at Ouachita Baptist 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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