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Harding University

Searcy, AR·Private·www.harding.edu/

Campus Identity

NCAA D2Greek LifePhD Programs

Harding University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Searcy, AR. Approximately 3,382 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 71% acceptance rate. Greers Ferry Lake is about 25 miles from campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 62/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Harding University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Searcy, AR. Approximately 3,382 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 71% acceptance rate. Greers Ferry Lake is about 25 miles from campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 62/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

71%
Acceptance Rate
2,714 applications
24
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 20–29
$26,262
2024-25 Tuition
$22,130
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$9,060
Room & Board
21 meals/week
3,382
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
45%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
69%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity71% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

530590660

SAT Math

520560630

Campus Lifestyle

Harding University is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school with NCAA D2 athletics and an active Greek scene. The campus is 235 miles from Hidden Valley Ski Area.

Athletics

NCAA D2

Great American

Greek Life

Active Organizations

Fraternities & sororities present

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Town setting

Ski Access

235 miles

Hidden Valley Ski Area

Weather

Warm Climate

55°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

Harding University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Hidden Valley Ski Area, 235 miles away with 7 lifts and 30 skiable acres. All are within 427 miles of campus.

235 mi away
30 skiable acres7 lifts
342 mi away
30 skiable acres6 lifts
28 skiable acres6 lifts

Nearby Lake

Greers Ferry Lake is 25 miles from campus, giving Harding University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Greers Ferry Lake

Lake access within 25.1 miles

25 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Searcy, AR

Searcy has a mild climate, with winters averaging 40°F in Jan and summers peaking around 83°F in Jul.

40°Jan44°Feb52°Mar62°Apr71°May79°Jun83°Jul82°Aug74°Sep62°Oct51°Nov42°Dec

Station: SEARCY · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Harding University in AR earns a composite safety score of 62/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.

62/100
Pretty Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety604493
60/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
44/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
93/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$26,262
Fees
$1,060
Room & Board
$9,060
Total
$36,382
App Fee: $50
Meal Plan: 21 meals/week
$22,130avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Harding University located?

Harding University is located in Searcy, AR. The main campus address is 915 E. Market Ave., Searcy, AR. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Harding University?

Harding University has an acceptance rate of 71%, making it moderately selective. Out of 2,714 applicants, 1,914 were admitted in the most recent year. 3,382 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for Harding University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Harding University scored between 20 and 29 on the ACT, with a median of 24. About 75% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Harding University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Harding University charges $26,262/year in tuition. Including room and board ($9,060/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $22,750/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $22,130/year — what students actually pay. Use Harding University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Harding University?

The undergraduate application fee at Harding University is $50. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Does Harding University have college sports?

Yes — Harding University competes at the NCAA D2 level in the Great American. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.

Is Harding University the right fit for me?

Whether Harding University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (71% admit rate), avg net price ($22,130/year after aid), campus culture in Searcy, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Harding University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Harding University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Searcy, AR
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
NCAA
NCAA D2
Conference
Great American
School Year Weather
Warm · 55°F avg
App Fee
$50
On Campus Safety Score
62/100
Nearest Airport
Jacksonville, AR (LRF) · 33 mialso LIT (46 mi), JBR (73 mi)

Location

Searcy, AR

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.