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University of Arkansas vs Harding University

University of Arkansas is a public university in Fayetteville, AR. Harding University is a private university in Searcy, AR. Harding University admits about 71% of applicants and University of Arkansas about 74%, making Harding University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,209 a year at University of Arkansas after aid, and about $22,130 at Harding University. About 70% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, University of Arkansas alumni earn a median of about $58,191, against $52,876 for Harding University.

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University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public

Harding University

Searcy, AR · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fayetteville, AR
Searcy, AR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
28,677
3,382
Acceptance rate
74%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1220
1050–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
20–29
Test policy
Considered
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,209
$22,130
Full cost / yr
$27,767
$39,534
In-state tuition
$10,104
$26,262
Out-of-state tuition
$29,966
$26,262
Application fee
$40
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,319
$15,418
$30k - $48k
$14,322
$17,430
$48k - $75k
$15,934
$19,832
$75k - $110k
$20,772
$22,017
Over $110k
$22,470
$26,284
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
70%
Freshman retention
86%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,686
$43,555
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,191
$52,876
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$26,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
24%
First-generation students
26%
21%
International students
1%
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 University of Arkansas or Harding University harder to get into?
Harding University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 74% at University of Arkansas. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Arkansas or Harding University?
University of Arkansas is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,209 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 University of Arkansas and Harding University?
Before aid, University of Arkansas costs about $27,767 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, University of Arkansas or Harding University?
University of Arkansas. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,319 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, University of Arkansas or Harding University?
University of Arkansas is the larger of the two, with about 28,677 undergraduates against 3,382 at Harding University.
Does University of Arkansas or Harding University have a better graduation rate?
Both graduate about 70% of their students.
Do graduates of University of Arkansas or Harding University earn more?
University of Arkansas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,191 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,876 for Harding University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Arkansas and Harding University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Arkansas considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Harding University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Arkansas and Harding University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1220 at University of Arkansas 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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