Harding University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Searcy, Arkansas with 3,382 undergraduates. It admits 71% of applicants, costs an average of $19,786 a year after grants and graduates 71% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Harding University acceptance rate and admissions
Harding University admitted 71% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 530 to 660, math 520 to 630). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Harding University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $27,282 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $10,124 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $39,651 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $19,786 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $19,786 a year after grants and scholarships, $19,865 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Harding University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Harding University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 71% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $56,146 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $24,329 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 43% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Harding University majors and what graduates earn
Harding University awarded bachelor's degrees in 67 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer science ($92,014).
All 67 majors at Harding University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Harding University
21 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 21 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 104 | $47,308 | $27,139 |
| Business administration | Master's | 78 | $67,184 | $20,500 |
| Information science | Master's | 51 | $76,630 | n/a |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 33 | $110,819 | $131,453 |
| Special education | Master's | 32 | $47,198 | $34,186 |
| Pharmacy | Professional doctorate | 29 | $115,516 | $221,587 |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 28 | $49,522 | n/a |
| Medical lab science | Master's | 25 | n/a | $34,689 |
| Physical and occupational therapy | Professional doctorate | 25 | $76,367 | $181,827 |
| Speech-language pathology | Master's | 21 | $57,394 | $54,600 |
| Nursing | Master's | 19 | $106,033 | $57,129 |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 14 | $79,289 | n/a |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 9 | $81,717 | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 8 | $47,942 | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Professional doctorate | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Nutrition and dietetics | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Behavioral sciences | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| History | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 3,382 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 54% women, 46% men
- 13 students for every faculty member
- Setting: distant town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Harding University?
Harding University admitted 71% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Harding University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $27,282. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $19,786 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Harding University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 530 to 660 in reading and writing and 520 to 630 in math, and 20 to 29 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Harding University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Harding University reported that test scores were: required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Harding University?
71% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Harding University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $56,146 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Arkansas · Harding University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.