Harding University Harding University, founded in 1924 in Searcy, Arkansas, is a private Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. The 350-acre campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a foundation in Christian values across disciplines. Harding maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly known for its programs in Bible and ministry, health sciences, and business. The campus features modern facilities including the new Cannon-Clary College of Education building and the David B. Burks American Heritage Building. Harding's international programs, especially its HUF program in Florence, Italy, are hallmarks of its global education approach.
Harding takes pride in its faith-based community with daily chapel services and mission opportunities. The university's athletic teams, the Bisons, compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Great American Conference. Recent campus additions include the Ganus Activities Complex and upgraded science facilities. Harding's combination of academic programs, Christian environment, and emphasis on service creates a distinctive educational experience. The university's commitment to integrating faith and learning prepares graduates for both professional success and spiritual leadership.
Harding University Acceptance Rate
Harding University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Harding University Admission Requirements
Harding University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Harding University is 3.71. Harding University is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.41 and 3.71, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Harding University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Harding University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.71, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.71 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.51 – 3.70 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.31 – 3.50 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.30 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Harding University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Harding University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Harding University Average SAT Score: 1187
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Harding University is 1187 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1187 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1280 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Harding University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1050, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Harding University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 575 | 520 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 590 | 530 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1187 | 1050 | 1280 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1050 then you are below most of the admitted students at Harding University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1280 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Harding University with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Harding University are good but the admission staff at Harding University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Harding University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Harding University is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Harding University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 26 |
| ACT English | 26 | 21 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 28 |
Can I get into Harding University with a 28 ACT?
With a 28 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Harding University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 25.Harding University Profile
Name: Harding University
City: Searcy
URL: www.harding.edu/
State: Arkansas
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 72149-5615
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Harding University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Harding University is USD: 36385. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Harding University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
19.22% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 39.51 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Harding University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Harding University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Harding University as your choice in the form.
How much a Harding University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 52876. An average Harding University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Harding University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | University of West Florida, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Georgia College & State University, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State University, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls College, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Chaminade University of Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Harding University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| University of New Haven | University of New Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Nova Southeastern University | Nova Southeastern University, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah College of Art and Design, GA | 1178 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Harding University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions About Harding University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $52876 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $36385 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Harding University is 100 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.71. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.41, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.41, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.41 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.31 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Harding University if my GPA is below 3.31
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.71, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Harding University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1187 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1050-1280
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Harding University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.