Harding University
Harding University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Harding University at a Glance
Harding University is a private Christian university in Searcy, Arkansas, United States. Established in 1924, Harding is associated with the Churches of Christ.
1924
102 years old
$229M
$229 million (2025)
4,879
314
350 acres
Identity
Is Harding University Worth It?
Harding University offers moderate value at $22,130/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $52,876, which is 2% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,500 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How Harding University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #32 of 96 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #2 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | St. Joseph's University-New York | 56 | $19,035 | $63,905 |
| #6 | Augustana College | 53 | $22,736 | $62,971 |
| #32 | Harding University | 42 | $22,130 | $52,876 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Harding University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in AR.
Best Programs at Harding University
The highest-earning program at Harding University is Computer Science at $61,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $22,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Harding University earns $61,100, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $22,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Science graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,130/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $61,100 | $61,100 | $27,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,800 | $56,800 | $24,504 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,500 | $53,500 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $52,600 | $52,600 | $27,396 |
| Marketing | $40,600 | $40,600 | $25,417 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,900 | $33,900 | $25,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,100 | $33,100 | $27,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $32,800 | $32,800 | $25,187 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $32,200 | $32,200 | $29,770 |
| Social Work | $30,300 | $30,300 | $26,795 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $26,200 | $26,200 | $27,366 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $25,800 | $25,800 | $23,750 |
| Psychology, General | $25,600 | $25,600 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $22,800 | $22,800 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Searcy, AR
- Student Body
- 3,382 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,130
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,876
- Median Student Debt
- $26,500