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Harding University

Christian college

#6 Best Christian colleges in America

Harding University

Searcy, AR · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Churches of Christ and Christian Churches

Real cost

Average price after aid $22,130 a year

Median debt at graduation: $26,500 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

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Harding University is a Christian liberal arts university in Searcy, Arkansas. Chapel is held on weekdays and attendance is required, every student takes four Bible courses in the core, and the university lists a statement of faith, a Center for World Missions and several student mission programs.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “All Missions Fellowship is for all Harding students with an interest in domestic and foreign mission efforts.”

    Source: harding.edu

  • “Harding University honors Christ as Lord and the Bible as God’s inspired word.”

    Source: harding.edu

  • “We work with students, churches and campus ministries to reach out through discipleship and church planting in North America.”

    Source: harding.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Attendance at chapel and in Bible classes is required, and students are allowed 15 absences per semester.

Source: harding.edu
Where do I find community?

Christian fellowship and worship are stressed in devotionals held in the residence halls, and students can study Scripture with friends in the homes of faculty and staff mentors.

Source: harding.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Spring Break Missions let students serve neighbors in the United States and abroad, and the Center for World Missions partners with missionaries in the field.

Source: harding.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 28 more

Academic Excellence

B+Academic Excellence: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
74 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.69%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.86%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,182 · ACT 24.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.13 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$11,670

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

N/AWorship and chapel: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Chapel is described as a daily time.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/chapel/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This is a daily time when we can refocus on who God is, who we are and why we are on this earth.”
      Chapel is described as a daily time.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Students are required to attend chapel, with 15 allowed absences each semester.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/chapel/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are allowed 15 absences per semester.”
      Students have a set number of allowed absences each semester.
    2. Ministries | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Attendance at chapel and in Bible classes is required”
      Chapel and Bible class attendance is required of students.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Weekly (A weekly devotional with prayer for students interested in missions.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All Missions Fellowship is for all Harding students with an interest in domestic and foreign mission efforts. Students participate in a weekly gathering for a period of devotion, prayer and instruction”
      A weekly devotion and prayer gathering meets for students.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Four Bible courses (8 hours) are required of all students in the core; the Scripture section lists them without alternatives.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Core - Liberal Arts Program | Harding University Catalogcatalog.harding.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=2119 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students will examine a variety of disciplines from a Christian perspective.”
      The core's outcomes call for examining disciplines from a Christian perspective.
      “BNEW 1010 - Life and Teachings of Jesus (Gospels) Credit Hours: 2”
      Gospels course required in the core.
      “BOLD 2010 - Creation and Kingdom (Genesis through Esther) Credit Hours: 2”
      Old Testament course required in the core.
      “BNEW 1030 - Faith and Mission of the Church (Acts through Revelation) Credit Hours: 2”
      Acts-Revelation course required in the core.
      “BOLD 2030 - Wisdom and Prophets (Job through Malachi) Credit Hours: 2”
      Wisdom and Prophets course required in the core.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Gospels and Old Testament (Genesis through Esther) courses are required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Core - Liberal Arts Program | Harding University Catalogcatalog.harding.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=2119 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BNEW 1010 - Life and Teachings of Jesus (Gospels) Credit Hours: 2”
      Gospels course required in the core.
      “BOLD 2010 - Creation and Kingdom (Genesis through Esther) Credit Hours: 2”
      Old Testament course required in the core.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The Core's learning outcomes name examining disciplines from a Christian perspective.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Core - Liberal Arts Program | Harding University Catalogcatalog.harding.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=2119 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students will examine a variety of disciplines from a Christian perspective.”
      The core's outcomes call for examining disciplines from a Christian perspective.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Six Bible and Ministry Bachelor of Arts degrees, including theological studies and missions.)
    Sources (1)
    1. College of Bible & Ministry | Harding University Catalogcatalog.harding.edu/content.php?catoid=4&navoid=1151 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our students choose from one of six different Bachelor of Arts degrees that emphasize family ministry”
      Six Bible and ministry Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Statement of Faith | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/statement-of-faith/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We believe in one sovereign God, eternally existing, Creator of all things”
      The university publishes a statement of faith.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

81 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Annual Inspire Bible Lectureship and Global Missions Conference.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Ministries | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Lectureship is a tradition that is as old as Harding University.”
      An annual Bible lectureship is held on campus.
    2. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Global Missions Conference is for mission-minded University students, missionaries and representatives of churches.”
      A missions conference is held for students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Home Bible studies at many faculty and staff homes. All Missions Fellowship weekly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Devotionals & Home Bible Studies | Hardingharding.edu/about/ministries/devotionals-studies/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Study Scripture with your friends in the homes of faculty and staff mentors”
      Home Bible studies meet at many faculty and staff homes.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (Devotionals are held in the various residence halls.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministries | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian fellowship and worship are stressed in devotionals held in the various residence halls.”
      Devotionals are held in several residence halls.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministries | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Find out locations and times for Churches in the Harding University areas.”
      Harding helps students find local churches.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (Center for World Missions.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Center for World Missions provides training for all individuals who wish to prepare themselves for missions.”
      The Center for World Missions is an office for training in Christian missions.
BMissions and service: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

81 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Center for World Missions provides training for all individuals who wish to prepare themselves for missions.”
      The Center for World Missions is an office for training in Christian missions.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Spring Break Missions and other field trips.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spring Break Missions allow students to have an engaging experience serving their neighbor both in the United States and abroad.”
      Spring Break mission trips are offered to students.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We work with students, churches and campus ministries to reach out through discipleship and church planting in North America.”
      Outreach partners with churches and campus ministries.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany
    Sources (1)
    1. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Global Apprenticeship Program - Center for World Missions partners with missionaries in the field and U.S. churches”
      Cross-cultural mission programs include a global apprenticeship and a global missions experience.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Center for World Missions provides training for all individuals who wish to prepare themselves for missions.”
      The Center for World Missions is an office for training in Christian missions.

Strengths

  • Attendance at chapel and Bible classes is required, and chapel is described as a daily time.
    Sources (2)
    1. Ministries | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Attendance at chapel and in Bible classes is required”
      Chapel and Bible class attendance is required of students.
    2. Chapel | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/chapel/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This is a daily time when we can refocus on who God is, who we are and why we are on this earth.”
      Chapel is described as a daily time.
  • Every student takes four Bible courses in the core, including Gospels and Old Testament courses.
    Sources (1)
    1. The Core - Liberal Arts Program | Harding University Catalogcatalog.harding.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=2119 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BNEW 1010 - Life and Teachings of Jesus (Gospels) Credit Hours: 2”
      Gospels course required in the core.
      “BOLD 2010 - Creation and Kingdom (Genesis through Esther) Credit Hours: 2”
      Old Testament course required in the core.
  • The Center for World Missions offers a range of trips and cross-cultural programs.
    Sources (1)
    1. Center for World Missions | Hardingharding.edu/bible-ministry/world-missions/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Center for World Missions provides training for all individuals who wish to prepare themselves for missions.”
      The Center for World Missions is an office for training in Christian missions.
      “Global Apprenticeship Program - Center for World Missions partners with missionaries in the field and U.S. churches”
      Cross-cultural mission programs include a global apprenticeship and a global missions experience.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Harding University Ministries

  • Address: 915 E. Market Ave., Searcy, AR
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: harding.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, harding.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Ministries | Harding Universityharding.edu/about/ministries/index · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Attendance at chapel and in Bible classes is required”
    Chapel and Bible class attendance is required of students.
    “Christian fellowship and worship are stressed in devotionals held in the various residence halls.”
    Devotionals are held in several residence halls.

Christian clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus

Faith formation 2

  • Home Bible studiesOff campus
    Weekly
    Bible studies in the homes of faculty and staff mentors.
    harding.edu
  • All Missions FellowshipOn campus
    Weekly
    Weekly devotion, prayer and mission instruction for students.
    harding.edu

Service 1

  • Spring Break MissionsOff campus
    Spring break
    Week-long service trips in the United States and abroad.
    harding.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$15,418
$30,001–$48,000$17,430
$48,001–$75,000$19,832
$75,001–$110,000$22,017
Over $110,000$26,284

Full cost of attendance before aid: $39,534 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
3,496
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 46% · Women 54%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
21%
Total students4,608
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$22,130
Cost of attendance (per year)$39,534
Median federal debt at graduation$26,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
69%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
62%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
55%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
73%
First-year retention86%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$52,876
Admission rate71%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$50
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $734 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants24%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1050–1290ACT 20–29
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1182
SAT reading & writing530–660
SAT math520–630
ACT composite20–29
Test policyRequired

Value index: 60 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Computer science$92,014
Accounting$80,311
Mechanical engineering$73,601
Nursing$71,872
Finance$71,203
Marketing$62,558
Business administration$62,025
Design$60,567
Romance languages$58,843
Speech-language pathology$58,184
Kinesiology and exercise science$54,149
Public relations$51,434
Secondary education$51,067
Criminal justice$48,992
Social work$48,833
Bible/Biblical Studies$48,762
Psychology$45,814
Liberal arts$41,328
Teacher education$41,228
English$37,384

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Allied health, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical/Medical Engineering, Broadcasting, Business/Corporate Communications, Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Chemistry, Civil engineering, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Computer engineering, Computing and information science, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services, Economics, Education (general), Electrical engineering, Experimental psychology, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Family and human development, Film and video, Fine arts, General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations, General studies, Global studies, Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities, Health administration, Health sciences, History, Housing and Human Environments, Human Biology, Human resources, Information science, Information technology, International business, Journalism, Mathematics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Neuroscience, Pastoral counseling, Physics, Political science, Pre-health, Public administration, Rehabilitation and therapy, Religious Education, Social sciences, Software and media applications, Special education, Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations, Theatre, Theology, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Business16%
Health professions13%
Education13%
Computer and information sciences7%
Parks, recreation and fitness6%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingTown
Part-time undergraduates5%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older5%
On-campus room and board (per year)$9,060
SportsNCAA Division II · Great American Conference
ROTCArmy
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member13 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 12%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time66%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$52,650IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 77% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceBill & Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field (LIT)About 46 miles away · about 1 hour by car
Town population23,340Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreMemphisAbout 100 miles away · about 2 hours 15 minutes by car
Typical weather40°F in January · 83°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Searcy, AR

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.050.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.030.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

Map of Harding University, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 miHarding University Ministries: 0.2 miHarding University (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Harding University a Christian college?
Yes. Harding University is a Christian college.
What is Harding University’s Compass Score?
84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is Harding University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Harding University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data

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