Private nonprofit Institution

Harding University — Searcy, Arkansas

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Annual Tuition $24,888

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 3,323

Active Students

Avg. Salary $52,876

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Searcy, Arkansas
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 1/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Harding University stands as a pillar of higher education in Searcy, providing a robust academic foundation for 3,323 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Harding University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Harding University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
15.7%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
13.6%

Enrollment Share

Education
13.3%

Enrollment Share

Communications
8.7%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
7.9%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
6.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Harding University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Harding University provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Harding University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Harding University maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 45.4%
Women Enrollment 54.6%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 530 - 650
SAT Mathematics 520 - 630
ACT English 21 - 30
ACT Mathematics 18 - 26
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Harding University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $24,888
Out-of-State Tuition $24,888

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 19.2%
Median Student Debt $26,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $24,888, graduates see a median starting salary of $52,876, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Arkansas.

What salary can Harding University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $52,876

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 70.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $20,579
Median Salary (6yr) $43,555
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Harding University in Searcy?

3,323 Students

Gender Comparison

45.4% Men
54.6% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

86.6%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.5%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1.4%
Black
5%
White
79.7%
Unknown
0%
Hispanic
4.5%
Two or More Races
3.7%
International
5.2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 20.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 44.9%
💍
Married Students 6.1%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 33.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $61,757
Average Family Income $83,701
Median Family Income $71,055

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

59.2%
40.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Searcy Campus Environment

Located at 915 E. Market Ave., Harding University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Arkansas. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Harding University compare?

Direct Comparison Harding University vs Searcy Beauty College →

Common Questions about Harding University

Is Harding University a good college in Searcy, Arkansas?
Harding University is a recognized institution in Searcy with an enrollment of 3,323 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Arkansas based on Department of Education data.
Is Harding University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Harding University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $52,876. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Harding University cost for Arkansas residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Harding University is approximately $24,888. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $24,888. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Harding University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Harding University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 44.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Harding University good for Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs?
Harding University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Harding University?
Graduates of Harding University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $52,876, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Harding University?
Harding University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Harding University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Harding University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Harding University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Harding University earn a median salary of $52,876 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Harding University a good investment compared to other AR colleges?
Harding University stands out as a high-value investment in Arkansas. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Harding University located and what is the campus like?
Harding University is located at 915 E. Market Ave. in Searcy, AR. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 3,323 learners.
Who typically attends Harding University in Searcy, AR?
The student body at Harding University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 20.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Arkansas

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Harding University with other leading institutions in Arkansas across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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