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Harding University vs Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Harding University is a private university in Searcy, AR. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public university in Magnolia, AR. Harding University admits about 71% of applicants and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus about 75%, making Harding University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,027 a year at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus after aid, and about $22,130 at Harding University. About 70% of students graduate at Harding University, compared with 48% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Ten years after enrolling, Harding University alumni earn a median of about $52,876, against $42,386 for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

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Harding University

Searcy, AR · Private

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Searcy, AR
Magnolia, AR
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,382
2,708
Acceptance rate
71%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1290
875–1105
ACT (middle 50%)
20–29
17–24
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,130
$14,027
Full cost / yr
$39,534
$24,951
In-state tuition
$26,262
$9,960
Out-of-state tuition
$26,262
$15,690
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,418
$13,187
$30k - $48k
$17,430
$12,827
$48k - $75k
$19,832
$13,790
$75k - $110k
$22,017
$15,654
Over $110k
$26,284
$19,244
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
48%
Freshman retention
86%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,555
$37,008
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,876
$42,386
Median debt at graduation
$26,500
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
48%
First-generation students
21%
42%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Jan 15
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
Is Harding University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus harder to get into?
Harding University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 75% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,027 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Before aid, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus costs about $24,951 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,187 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Harding University is the larger of the two, with about 3,382 undergraduates against 2,708 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Does Harding University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Harding University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 48% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Do graduates of Harding University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earn more?
Harding University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,876 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,386 for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harding University and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Harding University requires SAT or ACT scores. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Harding University and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1050–1290 at Harding University and 875–1105 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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