Harding University vs. St. Mary's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harding University is larger than St. Mary's University based on total student enrollment (4,696 students vs. 3,456 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); St. Mary's University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. Mary's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; St. Mary's University 11:1.

Harding University vs. St. Mary's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University than Harding University ($20,412 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harding University are 29.7% lower than at St. Mary's University ($9,060 vs. $12,894).
• St. Mary's University is 42.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harding University (about $11,172 more per year; $37,434.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.5% higher at St. Mary's University than at Harding University (about $11,172 more per year; $37,434.00 vs. $26,262.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St. Mary's University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St. Mary's University students is 63.8% larger than aid received by Harding University students ($27,464 vs. $16,763).

Harding University vs. St. Mary's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is 60 points higher than at St. Mary's University (1110).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at St. Mary's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; St. Mary's University 900/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; St. Mary's University 15/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; St. Mary's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Mary's University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at St. Mary's University (3.61).
• St. Mary's University has a higher acceptance rate (97.8%) than Harding University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 12.6% at St. Mary's University.

Harding University vs. St. Mary's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and St. Mary's 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).

• Harding University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than St. Mary's University's (58%).
• Graduates from St. Mary's University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Harding University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, St. Mary's University and Harding University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, St. Mary's University and Harding University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Mary's University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 59%)

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.