Harding University vs Heritage Christian University

Harding University and Heritage Christian University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Harding, a private Christian university in Searcy, Arkansas, boasts a higher acceptance rate (58%) compared to Heritage's 48%. With a larger student body, Harding provides a diverse mix of undergraduate and graduate programs, including popular majors like nursing, business, and education. Heritage, a private Christian university in Florence, Alabama, excels in its smaller class sizes, fostering a close-knit community. While Heritage offers fewer majors, it specializes in fields such as biblical studies, counseling, and music. Both universities prioritize spiritual growth and community engagement, but their unique characteristics may appeal to different students. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Harding University logo

Harding University

Heritage Christian University logo

Heritage Christian University

Overview

Location Searcy, Arkansas Florence, Alabama
Campus setting Town: Distant City: Small
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 84.0% 100.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Churches of Christ Churches of Christ

Admission

Acceptance rate 54.1% 66.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $45
Undergraduate: $35

Graduate: $35
SAT range 1050 - 1300 N/A
ACT range 20 - 28 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 23.0%
Students submitting ACT score 80.0% 50.0%
Total number of applicants 2,200 3
Total number of admissions given out 1,191 2
Admitted students who chose to enroll 748 2
Yield rate 62.8% 100.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A
High school GPA Not required N/A
Recommendation letters Required N/A
High school transcript Not required N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $34,538 $31,127
Average net price $20,533 $4,856
Tuition $21,690 $10,152
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,068

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

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

97.0%
Average amount $12,769
100.0%
Average amount $11,168
Students receiving federal student loan 45.0%
Average amount $5,607
Students taking out private loans 6.0%
Average amount $12,585

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,684
Men 43.8% Women 56.2%
83
Men 81.9% Women 18.1%
Graduate students 1,289
Men 34.0% Women 66.0%
48
Men 93.8% Women 6.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students N/A 0.0%
International students 6.2% N/A
Campus local/setting Town: Distant City: Small
Dormitory capacity 2,867 31
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Alabama

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Theology
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 6:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Association for Biblical Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 67.2% N/A
Dropout rate 31.7% N/A
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary religious affiliations of Harding University and Heritage Christian University?

    Harding University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, and its mission and values are deeply rooted in this tradition. Heritage Christian University is also associated with the Churches of Christ, sharing a similar commitment to Christian principles and biblical teachings. Both institutions emphasize integrating faith into all aspects of education.

  • How do Harding University and Heritage Christian University differ in terms of size and student population?

    Harding University is a significantly larger institution, typically enrolling several thousand students. Heritage Christian University is much smaller, offering a more intimate learning environment with a smaller student body. This difference in size impacts class sizes, campus resources, and the overall student experience.

  • What types of academic programs are offered at Harding University versus Heritage Christian University?

    Harding University offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, sciences, arts, and ministry. Heritage Christian University primarily focuses on ministry-related programs, such as biblical studies, ministry leadership, and intercultural studies. If you're seeking a wider array of academic options, Harding might be a better fit. If your focus is specifically on ministry, Heritage Christian University is a strong choice.

  • How do the campus environments and student life differ between Harding University and Heritage Christian University?

    Harding University boasts a larger, more comprehensive campus with a wider range of extracurricular activities, student organizations, and athletic programs. Heritage Christian University, being smaller, offers a more close-knit community with a focus on spiritual development and ministry-related activities. The campus life at Harding is generally more diverse in terms of activities, while Heritage Christian University's campus life is more centered around faith and service.

  • What are the typical tuition costs and financial aid opportunities at Harding University and Heritage Christian University?

    Harding University generally has a higher tuition cost compared to Heritage Christian University. Both institutions offer financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's recommended to visit their respective financial aid websites and contact their financial aid offices to explore the specific opportunities available to you and determine which institution offers a more affordable path based on your individual circumstances.

  • How do the locations of Harding University and Heritage Christian University compare?

    Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas, a larger town offering a broader range of amenities and opportunities. Heritage Christian University is located in Florence, Alabama, a smaller city with a more focused community. The location can impact your access to internships, job opportunities, and cultural experiences outside of the university setting.

  • What are the career services and alumni networks like at Harding University and Heritage Christian University?

    Harding University, due to its larger size and broader academic offerings, typically has a more extensive career services department and a larger alumni network across various industries. Heritage Christian University, while smaller, provides career guidance and support specifically tailored to ministry-related fields. Consider which institution's network and career services align best with your career aspirations.

  • What are the admission requirements for Harding University and Heritage Christian University?

    Both Harding University and Heritage Christian University require applicants to submit transcripts, standardized test scores (though policies may vary), letters of recommendation, and personal essays. However, Harding University, being a larger and more comprehensive university, may have more competitive admission standards overall. Check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date and specific requirements.

  • Do both Harding University and Heritage Christian University offer online programs?

    Yes, both Harding University and Heritage Christian University offer online programs. Harding University typically offers a wider variety of online degree programs across different disciplines. Heritage Christian University's online programs are generally focused on ministry and biblical studies. If online learning is a priority, explore the specific online program offerings of each institution to see which aligns best with your academic goals.

  • What are the key similarities between Harding University and Heritage Christian University?

    Both Harding University and Heritage Christian University share a strong commitment to Christian values and are affiliated with the Churches of Christ. They both aim to provide a faith-based education and foster spiritual growth in their students. Additionally, both institutions offer a supportive learning environment, although the scale and scope of that support differ due to their size differences.

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