Harding University vs John Brown University

Harding University and John Brown University, both esteemed Christian institutions, offer unique educational experiences to prospective students. Harding, located in Searcy, Arkansas, boasts a higher acceptance rate (58%) compared to John Brown's (48%) in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. While Harding's student body is predominantly female (58%), John Brown's is more evenly balanced (51% female, 49% male). Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Education, and Nursing. However, Harding excels in Health Professions and Related Programs, while John Brown shines in Engineering. With graduation rates of 63% and 58% respectively, both universities are committed to student success. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more distinctions and make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Harding University logo

Harding University

John Brown University logo

John Brown University

Overview

Location Searcy, Arkansas Siloam Springs, 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 84.0% 80.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Churches of Christ

Admission

Acceptance rate 54.1% 52.9%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $45
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $35
SAT range 1050 - 1300 1100 - 1320
ACT range 20 - 28 22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 23.0% 16.0%
Students submitting ACT score 80.0% 71.0%
Total number of applicants 2,200 1,604
Total number of admissions given out 1,191 848
Admitted students who chose to enroll 748 333
Yield rate 62.8% 39.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $34,538 $35,074
Average net price $20,533 $18,298
Tuition $21,690 $27,662
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,068

Meal plan: $4,658
$9,554
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
99.0%
Average amount $23,194
Students receiving federal student loan 45.0%
Average amount $5,607
47.0%
Average amount $5,196
Students taking out private loans 6.0%
Average amount $12,585
8.0%
Average amount $5,522

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,684
Men 43.8% Women 56.2%
1,774
Men 40.8% Women 59.2%
Graduate students 1,289
Men 34.0% Women 66.0%
685
Men 27.0% Women 73.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 60.7%
International students 6.2% 4.6%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity 2,867 1,143
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Arkansas Texas Oklahoma Kansas Missouri

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Psychology
  • Education
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 67.2% 70.4%
Dropout rate 31.7% 9.8%
Transferred out N/A 19.0%
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
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,740
  • Year 2: $74,105
  • Year 3: $83,430
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $65,517
  • Year 3: $74,261
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,958
  • Year 2: $65,573
  • Year 3: $73,677
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,449
  • Year 2: $55,813
  • Year 3: $58,674
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,371
  • Year 2: $42,402
  • Year 3: $49,673
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,352
  • Year 2: $37,748
  • Year 3: $40,453
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,458
  • Year 2: $39,009
  • Year 3: $40,380
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,401
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: $37,581
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $25,774
  • Year 3: $26,891
Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $22,192
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary religious affiliations of Harding University and John Brown University?

    Harding University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, while John Brown University is interdenominational, with a strong evangelical Christian emphasis. Both universities foster a Christian environment, but their specific denominational ties differ.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Harding University and John Brown University?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Harding University is generally known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and pharmacy, as well as its study abroad programs. John Brown University is recognized for its programs in engineering, business, and graphic design. The specific program strengths can vary, so it's best to check the program details for your area of interest at each university.

  • What is the typical campus environment like at Harding University and John Brown University?

    Both universities provide a close-knit, Christian campus environment. Harding University, located in Searcy, Arkansas, has a more traditional college town feel. John Brown University, situated in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, offers a similar atmosphere with a focus on community and spiritual growth. Both campuses emphasize student involvement in campus activities and a supportive community.

  • How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare between Harding University and John Brown University?

    Tuition and fees are generally comparable between the two universities, though they can fluctuate. Both Harding University and John Brown University offer various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's recommended to check the specific financial aid information on each university's website and compare the net cost after aid is applied.

  • What are the student-to-faculty ratios at Harding University and John Brown University?

    Both universities maintain relatively low student-to-faculty ratios, which allows for more personalized attention from professors. This is a common characteristic of Christian universities, fostering a more supportive learning environment. You can expect a similar level of accessibility to faculty at both institutions.

  • How do the campus locations and surrounding areas differ?

    Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas, a smaller city with a more traditional college town atmosphere. John Brown University is in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, which is also a smaller city, but with a slightly different cultural landscape. Both locations offer a safe environment and access to outdoor recreational activities, but the specific amenities and community vibes differ.

  • What are the opportunities for student involvement and extracurricular activities at Harding University and John Brown University?

    Both universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, intramural sports, and volunteer opportunities. Harding University has a strong emphasis on study abroad programs and mission trips. John Brown University also encourages student involvement in various activities, including arts, athletics, and community service. The specific offerings may vary, so it's best to explore the websites of each university to see what aligns with your interests.

  • How do the graduation rates and career services compare?

    Both Harding University and John Brown University have good graduation rates. Both universities offer career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job placement. The specific resources and career fairs may vary, so it's a good idea to investigate the career services departments of each university to see which best suits your needs.

  • What is the overall campus culture like at Harding University and John Brown University?

    Both universities share a strong Christian culture, emphasizing faith, community, and service. Harding University, being affiliated with the Churches of Christ, has a specific set of traditions and expectations. John Brown University, being interdenominational, welcomes students from various Christian backgrounds. Both foster a supportive and spiritually focused environment, but the specific expressions of faith and community may differ.

  • Which university is better for me, Harding University or John Brown University?

    The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. Consider your desired program of study, the campus environment you prefer, your financial situation, and your religious background. If you are interested in a specific program, research the strengths of each university in that area. Visiting both campuses, if possible, can also help you determine which one feels like the best fit for you.

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