Harding University vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Harding University vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or Sewanee? 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 Sewanee ($22,806 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 43.5% lower than at The University of the South ($9,060 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 113.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $29,858 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.7% higher at Sewanee than at Harding University (about $29,858 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Harding University as at The University of the South (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 121.7% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($37,171 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or Sewanee? 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 Sewanee and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 160 points higher than at Harding University (1170).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at Harding University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Harding University vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and Sewanee? 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).

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Harding University's (63%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harding University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.