More selective than 59% of Arkansas colleges we cover. U.S. median 77%.
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class
18% of enrolled first-years sent SAT scores, 94% sent ACT scores.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Called “yield.” A high yield means many admitted students choose Harding University over other offers.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Applicants, admits and enrollment
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class (first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates). Newer counts arrive with the next IPEDS release.
We don't have Harding University's Common Data Set yet, the college's own report of what it weighs in admissions, early decision and waitlist numbers. Work at Harding University or have its file? Send it to us.
Harding University SAT and ACT scores
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted them, Fall 2024. A quarter scored below the 25th percentile and a quarter above the 75th. If your score is above the 75th, Harding University is likely within reach on scores alone; below the 25th, it is a reach.
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 530 | 660 |
| SAT math | 520 | 630 |
| ACT composite | 20 | 29 |
| SAT total (approx.) | 1050 | 1290 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class (reported to IPEDS). SAT total adds the two section scores, an approximation.
Harding University admissions year over year
| Entering class | Acceptance | SAT reading | SAT math | ACT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 71% | 530–660 | 520–630 | 20–29 | College Scorecard |
| Fall 2023 | 100% | 530–650 | 520–630 | 21–28 | IPEDS |
Score ranges are the 25th–75th percentiles. Each year is kept as published; we add a year with every federal release.
How selective is Harding University compared with other Arkansas colleges?
Harding University has the 8th-lowest acceptance rate of 18 Arkansas colleges we cover. Schools around it:
| Rank | College | Acceptance | Graduation | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | University of the Ozarks | 60% | 51% | $17,360 |
| 5 | Lyon College | 63% | 47% | $19,616 |
| 6 | Central Baptist College | 63% | 34% | $12,287 |
| 7 | Ouachita Baptist University | 68% | 61% | $22,409 |
| 8 | Harding University | 71% | 69% | $22,130 |
| 9 | Ecclesia College | 74% | 40% | $22,075 |
| 10 | University of Arkansas | 74% | 71% | $18,209 |
| 11 | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | 75% | 49% | $14,027 |
| 12 | John Brown University | 76% | 72% | $20,397 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class. All Arkansas colleges →
Who enrolls at Harding University
College Scorecard; IPEDS
Harding University admissions questions
What is the Harding University acceptance rate?
Harding University accepts 71% of applicants, most. For the Fall 2023 entering class, 2,202 of 2,202 applicants were admitted.
Does Harding University require the SAT or ACT?
Harding University requires SAT or ACT scores for admission, according to its federal admissions report for Fall 2023. 18% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores and 94% submitted ACT scores.
What SAT score do you need for Harding University?
The middle 50% of Harding University enrolled first-year students scored 1050–1290 on the SAT and 20–29 on the ACT. A score above the upper number puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students; below the lower number puts you in the bottom quarter.
How many admitted students enroll at Harding University?
39% of admitted students enrolled in Fall 2023 (864 of 2,202).
Is Harding University getting harder to get into?
Harding University accepted 71% of applicants for Fall 2024, compared with 100% for Fall 2023.
Is Harding University the right fit for your family?
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS Admissions; years shown with each figure. “Colleges we cover” means colleges awarding bachelor's degrees to at least 100 undergraduates. Back to Harding University overview