Harding University vs. Bethel University

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 3,603 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large Suburban setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; Bethel University 14:1.

Harding University vs. Bethel University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Bethel University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Harding University than Bethel University ($22,806 vs. $31,738).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 25.6% lower than at Bethel University ($9,060 vs. $12,170).
• Bethel University is 68.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $17,964 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.4% higher at Bethel University than at Harding University (about $17,964 more per year; $44,226.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 60.4% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($26,886 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Bethel University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or Bethel University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bethel University and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel University (1250) is 80 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Bethel University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; Bethel University 1190/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; Bethel University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Bethel University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Bethel University (3.6).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 26.9% at Bethel University.

Harding University vs. Bethel University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Bethel University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethel University graduates have a $2,600 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($24,400 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethel University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($252 vs. $279).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.