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Colleges / Harding University

Harding University

Searcy, AR 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate45%

Harding University Admissions

Harding University is moderately difficult to get into. The acceptance rate at Harding University is 45%. Last year, 2,255 students applied to Harding University and 1,016 were admitted.

If you are considering submitting an application to Harding University, the fee for the application is $50.

Harding University Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here is an overiew of some of Harding University's admissions stats.

Harding University 2023 Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA 3.7
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class 29%
Mean SAT Score 1170
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs 28%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs 76%
Waitlist No

Harding University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Harding University.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I No
Early Decision II
Early Action No

Applying Early to Harding University?


Harding University does not offer early decision or early action.

➡️ Find a list of some top colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on Harding University Admissions


Transferring to Harding University

It is moderately difficult to be admitted as a transfer student.

For Students Waitlisted to Harding University

Harding University has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What Does Harding University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when determining who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college decides which factors are are most important in the admissions process. When creating your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and choose schools that prioritize the areas where you shine.

Admissions Factors at Harding University

What does Harding University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Character/Personal Qualities Very Important
Interview Very Important
Recommendation(s) Very Important
Standardized Test Scores Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record Very Important
Class Rank Important
Talent/Ability Important
Academic GPA Important
Alumni/ae Relations Considered
Application Essay Considered
Extracurricular Activities Considered
Geographical Residence Considered
State Residency Considered
Volunteer Work Considered
Work Experience Considered
Level of Applicant's Interest Considered
First Generation Considered

Make sure to check with Harding University for more information on admission factors.

Harding University Application Requirements

To apply to Harding University, all applicants must submit the following items. Check in with Harding University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Letter(s) of Recommendation 3
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Harding University?

Students admitted to Harding University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.7.

Out of all students that were admitted, 49% submitted a class rank. At Harding University 29% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 55% were in the top 25% and 83% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At Harding University, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA Percent of Students
4.0 GPA 39%
3.75 and 3.99 28%
3.50 and 3.74 14%
3.25 and 3.49 9%
3.00 and 3.24 6%
2.50 and 2.9 3%
2.00 and 2.49 1%

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to Harding University directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that reflects your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Harding University has a test optional admissions policy. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 28% of Harding University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 76% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Harding University?

To be competitive with other Harding University applicants, you should strive to earn between 1040 and 1290 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Harding University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1290 and 25% of scored lower than 1040, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Harding University student is 1170.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Harding University students scored 640 or higher and 75% of students scored 530 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Harding University students scored 660 or higher, and 75% scored a 530 or higher.

To be most competitive at Harding University, you should strive to earn between 20 and 28 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 28 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Harding University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 28, and three out of four students scored lower than 28 on the ACT.

A 20 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Harding University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 20.

More Information on Transferring to Harding University

For transfer students, it is moderately difficult to get admitted to Harding University. Transfer applications are processed on a on a rolling basis as they are received.

Transfer students can enroll in Harding University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term


Harding University Admissions FAQs


Can I defer my acceptance to Harding University?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to Harding University.

Does Harding University accept transfer credits?

✅ Harding University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Harding University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does Harding University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Harding University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Harding University?

❌ No, Harding University is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you may want to send them. If you scored lower than a school's average, you may want not want to include them in your application.

What is Harding University's acceptance rate?

✅ Harding University's acceptance rate is 45%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Harding University?

❌ Harding University does not offer early decision.

Want To Learn More About Harding University?

To learn more about Harding University, choose from the options below:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Visit the College Confidential forums to join the conversation about Harding University

Explore other colleges in Arkansas or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.

Harding University Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Somewhat Selective

45%

How hard is it to get into Harding University? Harding University is a somewhat selective institution. The Harding University acceptance rate is 45%. This means that the institution accepts 45 out of every 100 applicants.

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Harding University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Continuous processing

Transfer Applications are Due

Continuous processing

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Harding University is Continuous processing.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Harding University is Continuous processing.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Harding University SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1040 - 1290

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Math SAT Range

510 - 640

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Reading SAT Range

530 - 660

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1290 and Above

Good

1040 to 1290

Avg

1040 and Less

Low

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for Harding University students is 1170. Applicants with SAT scores of 1290 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Harding University, while applicants with SAT scores between 1040 to 1290 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1040 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Harding University.

Harding University GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

3.74

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At Harding University, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 3.74. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

4,805

Campus Setting

Small Town

Acceptance Rate

45%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$24,888

Out-of-State

$24,888

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Continuous processing
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