Harding University vs. William Carey University

Comparable Facts

Compare Harding University in Searcy, AR with William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Carey University is larger than Harding University based on total student enrollment (5,321 students vs. 4,696 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harding University is located in Searcy, AR (Distant Town setting); William Carey University is in Hattiesburg, MS (Small City setting).
• Harding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. William Carey University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Harding University 13:1; William Carey University 14:1.

Harding University vs. William Carey University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Harding University or William Carey 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 William Carey University than Harding University ($15,469 vs. $22,806).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Carey University are 10.7% lower than at Harding University ($8,094 vs. $9,060).
• Harding University is 69.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Carey University (about $10,782 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.7% higher at Harding University than at William Carey University (about $10,782 more per year; $26,262.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Carey University than at Harding University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harding University students is 14.7% larger than aid received by William Carey University students ($16,763 vs. $14,621).

Harding University vs. William Carey University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Harding University or William Carey 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 William Carey University and Harding University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harding University (1170) is the same as at William Carey University (1170).
• Incoming Harding University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at William Carey University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 1050/1290; William Carey University 1040/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harding University 20/29; William Carey University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Harding University - Required; William Carey University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Harding University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at William Carey University (3.46).
• Harding University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than William Carey University (60.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.6% at Harding University vs. 48.3% at William Carey University.

Harding University vs. William Carey University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Harding University and William Carey 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 William Carey University's (51%).
• Graduates from Harding University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than William Carey University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Carey University graduates have a $6,808 lower median loan debt than Harding University graduates ($20,192 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, William Carey University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harding University graduates ($208 vs. $279).
• More Harding University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Carey University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 47%)

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.