Freed-Hardeman University vs Harding University

Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University, both rooted in Christian values, offer distinct educational experiences. Freed-Hardeman, located in Henderson, Tennessee, boasts a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community feel, while Harding, situated in Searcy, Arkansas, offers a larger student population and a more diverse range of academic programs. With Freed-Hardeman's higher acceptance rate and Harding's lower tuition fees, both universities cater to different financial and academic backgrounds. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about their acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and other key factors that set these institutions apart, helping you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.
Freed-Hardeman University logo

Freed-Hardeman University

Harding University logo

Harding University

Overview

Location Henderson, Tennessee Searcy, Arkansas
Campus setting Town: Distant Town: Distant
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 85.0% 84.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Churches of Christ Churches of Christ

Admission

Acceptance rate 87.9% 54.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $45
SAT range 985 - 1195 1050 - 1300
ACT range 21 - 27 20 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 11.0% 23.0%
Students submitting ACT score 92.0% 80.0%
Total number of applicants 1,147 2,200
Total number of admissions given out 1,008 1,191
Admitted students who chose to enroll 371 748
Yield rate 36.8% 62.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $32,100 $34,538
Average net price $17,074 $20,533
Tuition $23,300 $21,690
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,320

Meal plan: $3,630
Room/dormitory: $4,068

Meal plan: $4,658
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $17,926
97.0%
Average amount $12,769
Students receiving federal student loan 54.0%
Average amount $5,084
45.0%
Average amount $5,607
Students taking out private loans 6.0%
Average amount $8,123
6.0%
Average amount $12,585

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,797
Men 42.5% Women 57.5%
3,684
Men 43.8% Women 56.2%
Graduate students 523
Men 31.4% Women 68.6%
1,289
Men 34.0% Women 66.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 1.2% 6.2%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity 1,232 2,867
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Theology
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 64.7% 67.2%
Dropout rate 34.9% 31.7%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,125
  • Year 2: $55,061
  • Year 3: $53,329
Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,949
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $45,100
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,206
  • Year 2: $36,107
  • Year 3: $37,954
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $36,668
  • Year 3: $36,975
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $34,523
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $26,353
  • Year 3: $33,255
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $25,967
  • Year 3: $31,025
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: N/A
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: N/A
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: N/A
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $117,748
  • Year 2: $124,539
  • Year 3: $127,639
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,011
  • Year 2: $106,978
  • Year 3: $105,028
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,933
  • Year 2: $67,101
  • Year 3: $88,179
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,415
  • Year 2: $68,618
  • Year 3: $71,365
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,335
  • Year 2: $66,104
  • Year 3: $69,942
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,533
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $67,054
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,156
  • Year 2: $52,733
  • Year 3: $65,082
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,219
  • Year 2: $57,047
  • Year 3: $64,125
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,088
  • Year 2: $58,221
  • Year 3: $62,592
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,124
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $60,778

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary religious affiliations of Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University?

    Both Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) and Harding University are affiliated with the Churches of Christ. This shared affiliation significantly influences their campus culture, values, and academic environment.

  • How do the campus cultures of Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University differ?

    While both universities share a religious foundation, their campus cultures have distinct nuances. Harding University generally has a larger student body, which can lead to a broader range of social activities and a more diverse student experience. Freed-Hardeman University, with its smaller size, often fosters a closer-knit community where students may experience more personalized attention and a stronger sense of belonging.

  • What is the typical size of the student bodies at Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University?

    Harding University has a significantly larger student body, typically enrolling several thousand students. Freed-Hardeman University has a smaller student population, usually numbering in the low thousands. This difference in size impacts the overall campus atmosphere and the availability of resources.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University?

    Both universities offer a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Harding University, due to its larger size, often provides a broader selection of majors and specialized programs. Freed-Hardeman University excels in programs related to ministry, education, and the arts, while also offering a solid foundation in other disciplines. Both universities emphasize a strong liberal arts education.

  • Are there significant differences in the cost of attendance between Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary between the two universities. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's official website. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset these costs.

  • What are the opportunities for student involvement and extracurricular activities at Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University?

    Both universities offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, intramural sports, and fine arts programs. Harding University, with its larger student body, may have a wider selection of clubs and organizations. Freed-Hardeman University provides ample opportunities for student involvement, fostering leadership and community engagement within its more intimate setting.

  • How do the locations of Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University compare?

    Freed-Hardeman University is located in Henderson, Tennessee, a smaller town setting. Harding University is situated in Searcy, Arkansas, which is also a smaller city. Both locations offer a safe and supportive environment for students, with access to local amenities and opportunities for community involvement.

  • What is the general approach to spiritual life and religious studies at Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University?

    Both universities integrate faith into their curriculum and campus life. They both require students to take Bible courses and participate in chapel services. The specific emphasis and approach to these requirements may vary slightly, but the core commitment to Christian values and spiritual development is central to both institutions.

  • What are the admission requirements for Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University?

    Admission requirements typically include a completed application, high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and potentially letters of recommendation. Specific requirements, such as minimum GPA or test score thresholds, may vary. It's essential to consult the official admissions websites of each university for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

  • Which university is better for me, Freed-Hardeman or Harding?

    The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate community, Freed-Hardeman University might be a good fit. If you're looking for a wider range of academic programs and social opportunities within a larger student body, Harding University could be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses, talking to current students, and evaluating which environment aligns best with your personal and academic goals.

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