Harding University
Searcy, Arkansas · Private Nonprofit · 70.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 47/100 · Below Average Value
Harding University is a private Christian university of 3,382 students in Searcy, Arkansas. ROI score of 47 -- Below Average Value -- reflects a 12.8-year payback period, median debt of $26,500, and six-year earnings of $35,600. The 69% completion rate is decent, and the repayment rate of 81% suggests graduates do manage their debt -- slowly. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.744 sits in problematic territory. Computer Science (28 graduates) and Registered Nursing (48 graduates) are the two programs with clearly defensible outcomes. Outside those programs, most of Harding's graduates enter labor markets that do not pay premiums for the credential. The school's Christian identity is a genuine draw for students seeking a faith-integrated environment, and cultural fit matters -- but those considering Harding for financial reasons need to scrutinize program-level data closely.
Harding University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $26,262/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $26,262/yr |
| Average net price | $22,130/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $88,520 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,876 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $35,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $281 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 68.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,382 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Harding University is $26,262/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,130/year, or roughly $88,520 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $15,418/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,284/year.
The median graduate leaves with $26,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $281 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $52,876 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.74 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,418 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,430 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,832 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,017 |
| $110,001+ | $26,284 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $15,418 per year at Harding. Over four years, that is about $61,700 -- substantial for a low-income family, and it comes with the school-wide 12.8-year payback backdrop. Low-income students who can access strong financial aid awards and who choose CS, nursing, or accounting have a defensible path. Most other programs at this income level are financially risky.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $30-48k bracket pays $17,430, the $48-75k range reaches $19,832, and $75-110k hits $22,017. The slope is steady and gradual -- about $2,000 per income tier -- which is predictable if not particularly favorable. Middle-income families paying roughly $80,000 over four years need to be in one of Harding's stronger programs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families over $110k pay $26,284 -- approaching full sticker price of $26,262. Over four years, that is about $105,000. With a 12.8-year payback period and median 10-year earnings of $52,876, high-income families paying full price should have a clear plan for how their student will outperform the institutional median.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Harding University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $41,228 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $71,872 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $54,149 | D |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $51,434 | D |
| Psychology | $45,814 | D |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $51,067 | C |
| Accounting | $80,311 | C+ |
| Computer Science | $92,014 | B+ |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $58,184 | B |
| Social Work | $48,833 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Science
Computer Science is Harding's strongest ROI program, producing 28 graduates annually. Early-career median pay of $78,041 and four-year median of $92,014 (B+ grade) with $24,149 in median debt (ratio 0.309) are solid. The program benefits from Harding's emphasis on applied, industry-ready skills and connections to Christian-affiliated technology employers. Graduates from faith-based tech programs find a niche market -- particularly in nonprofit technology, church media, and Christian educational software sectors, alongside conventional tech roles. The small class size means individual mentorship and career coaching are accessible.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing produces 48 graduates annually. Early-career pay of $69,743 and four-year median of $71,872 (B grade) reflect Arkansas nursing wages, which trail coastal markets but provide stable employment. Median debt of $30,000 and a ratio of 0.430 are manageable. Arkansas healthcare systems, including Baptist Health and UAMS affiliates, recruit Harding nursing graduates. The program's faith-based affiliation resonates with students seeking healthcare roles in faith-integrated settings. The debt load is higher than ideal but workable against nursing's reliable earnings.
Accounting
Accounting produces 32 graduates per year. Early-career median pay of $58,649 and four-year median of $80,311 (C+ grade) reflect the standard Arkansas public accounting market. The $27,000 median debt and ratio of 0.460 are borderline. Harding's accounting program is well-regarded in Arkansas and produces graduates who enter regional CPA firms and private industry. The CPA pipeline is the primary value driver; students who earn licensure significantly outperform the program median. Those who do not pass CPA exams face a more challenging financial picture.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 76.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 80.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 77.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 70.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 520-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 530-660 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-29 |
| Enrollment | 3,382 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 23.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,008 |
Harding admits 71% of applicants with a broad ACT range of 20-29. This is moderately selective -- accessible to most college-ready students. The school attracts students specifically seeking a Christian educational environment, so academic profile is secondary to cultural and religious fit in many admissions decisions.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among listed peers, Biola University is a comparable Christian university with slightly higher ROI scores. Endicott College and Park University are regional private schools with similar cost structures. Harding's 12.8-year payback trails the national median significantly. The 69% completion rate is a positive signal relative to comparable schools. The school's combination of faith-based identity and moderate academic profile means its ROI must be evaluated program by program, not at the institutional level.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harding University (this school) | 47 | $22,130 | $52,876 |
| Endicott College | 52 | $40,654 | $58,336 |
| Biola University | 50 | $31,495 | $56,778 |
| Park University | 50 | $21,032 | $56,309 |
| Lyon College | 29 | $19,616 | $44,232 |
| Arkansas Baptist College | 4 | $10,627 | $28,418 |
Who Thrives Here
Harding admits 71% of applicants with ACT 20-29 and SAT math 520-630, reading 530-660. The 24% Pell rate is moderate. Students who choose Harding do so primarily for its Christian community and values-aligned education -- the campus culture is central to the school's identity. CS, nursing, and accounting students have the clearest path to outcomes that justify the cost. Students in most other programs need a strong career plan to overcome the gap between debt load and starting earnings.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Harding University is mixed. At $22,130 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $52,876 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.8 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include a 68.8% graduation rate. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost and high debt relative to what graduates earn.
Median debt of $26,500 against $52,876 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.