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Harding University vs Philander Smith University

Harding University is a private university in Searcy, AR, and Philander Smith University is a private university in Little Rock, AR. Philander Smith University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,224 a year against $22,130 at Harding University. About 70% of students graduate at Harding University, compared with 31% at Philander Smith University. Ten years after enrolling, Harding University alumni earn a median of about $52,876, against $38,427 for Philander Smith University.

Harding University

Searcy, AR · Private

Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Searcy, AR
Little Rock, AR
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,382
751
Acceptance rate
71%
Not reported
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
Not reported
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1290
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
20–29
Not reported
Test policy
Required
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,130
$14,224
Full cost / yr
$39,534
$28,136
In-state tuition
$26,262
$13,014
Out-of-state tuition
$26,262
$13,014
Application fee
$50
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,418
$13,393
$30k - $48k
$17,430
$14,606
$48k - $75k
$19,832
$16,686
$75k - $110k
$22,017
$12,847
Over $110k
$26,284
$15,800
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
31%
Freshman retention
86%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,555
$25,254
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,876
$38,427
Median debt at graduation
$26,500
$24,736
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
68%
First-generation students
21%
43%
International students
5%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 1
Rolling

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
Which is cheaper, Harding University or Philander Smith University?
Philander Smith University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,224 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 Harding University and Philander Smith University?
Before aid, Philander Smith University costs about $28,136 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, Harding University or Philander Smith University?
Philander Smith University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,393 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 Philander Smith University?
Harding University is the larger of the two, with about 3,382 undergraduates against 751 at Philander Smith University.
Does Harding University or Philander Smith University have a better graduation rate?
Harding University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 31% at Philander Smith University.
Do graduates of Harding University or Philander Smith University earn more?
Harding University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,876 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,427 for Philander Smith University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

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