Harding University is a private Christian institution located in Searcy, Arkansas. Established in 1924, the university has built a strong reputation for its commitment to providing a quality education grounded in a Christian worldview. With a student body of approximately 6,700, Harding offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, education, health sciences, and liberal arts. The university emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service.

One of Harding's distinguishing features is its emphasis on a holistic approach to education. The university's mission statement underscores the commitment to “developing the whole person”, which includes nurturing students' intellectual, spiritual, and social dimensions. The rich campus culture is evident in various student organizations, service projects, and spiritual events that promote community engagement and personal growth. Moreover, Harding is well-known for its strong commitment to student life, with numerous facilities that support both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and athletic complexes, ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Additionally, Harding boasts a vibrant athletic program, with teams competing in the NCAA Division II, offering students opportunities to engage in various sports while fostering school spirit and camaraderie.

Analysis of Trends at Harding University

Harding University has shown notable trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the past decade. Tuition fees have experienced a steady increase, growing from approximately $16,170 in 2014 to about $24,888 in 2024 for in-state undergraduate students. This represents a significant rise of over 53% in just a decade. Such steep increases in tuition may raise concerns among prospective students and could affect enrollment numbers negatively, particularly in the context of rising student debt across the country.

Enrollment statistics for the same period reveal a concerning decline in undergraduate student numbers, dropping from 4,428 in 2014 to 3,496 in 2024. This decline could be associated with the rising costs of attendance and changing demographics in higher education. The university might need to address these challenges through improved financial aid offerings or enhanced student recruitment strategies to stabilize and potentially increase its student body.

Graduation rates, on the other hand, have shown a promising upward trend. The on-time graduation rate has increased from around 41.5% in 2014 to approximately 48.6% in 2024. This improvement suggests that the university has been successful in implementing measures that enhance student success and retention. Coupled with relatively high retention rates, which have remained above 82% throughout most of the decade, this reflects positively on the university's academic environment and support services.

Overall, while Harding University faces challenges related to tuition and enrollment, its graduation rates indicate progress in fostering student achievement. Addressing the financial barriers to education will be critical in maintaining its competitive edge and ensuring that more students can successfully complete their degrees.

Analysis of Graduate Data from Harding University 2023

The graduation statistics from Harding University in 2023 reveal notable trends in various disciplines, particularly in the fields of education and health. Among the master’s programs, Counselor Education recorded a significant number of graduates, with 59 individuals earning their degrees, suggesting a solid demand for qualified counselors in educational settings. This aligns with the increasing recognition of mental health and wellness in educational institutions across the United States, reflecting a cultural shift toward prioritizing psychological support for students.

In the healthcare domain, Registered Nursing saw 48 graduates, indicating a steady flow of new professionals entering the healthcare workforce. The ongoing challenges presented by the global pandemic have underscored the critical need for skilled nurses, and this statistic may reflect strategic efforts by educational institutions to bolster healthcare personnel in response to these pressing demands.

Moreover, the data indicates a lack of graduates in various other disciplines, such as business administration, humanities, and languages. For example, while there were 48 graduates in general business management at the bachelor's level, there was a stark absence in related undergraduate and master's programs, suggesting a potential area for growth and recruitment in these fields.

Furthermore, the presence of international students in master’s programs, particularly in fields like information science and counseling, highlights the university's appeal to a global audience, promoting diversity and enriching the educational environment. However, the absence of international graduates in several other categories poses questions about the university’s outreach and support for international students in those fields.

Overall, this graduation data provides valuable insights into shifting educational priorities and the emerging job market, suggesting that Harding University is particularly strong in addressing the needs of industries such as mental health and nursing.

Analysis of Harding University Admission Trends

The data from Harding University showcases a significant shift in both academic ranking and admission rates over the years. In 2025, the university has a ranking of 296, reflecting a gradual decline from previous years. The rankings plummeted from 240 in 2020 to 304 in 2024, demonstrating a challenging trend for the institution. Looking more closely at the admission statistics, there has been an alarming drop in both male and female admission rates. For instance, the male acceptance rate dramatically decreased from around 99% in 2015 to just 45.6% in 2023. Similarly, the acceptance rate for females fell from 99.2% in 2015 to 44.8% in 2023. This sharp decline indicates a potential shift in the university's recruitment strategy or perhaps increased competition within the higher education landscape. Additionally, the enrollment numbers fluctuate each year, with a peak of 1,067 students in 2015 and a decline down to 802 students by 2023. The number of applicants has changed as well, with a significant increase in the number of denials, reaching over 1,200 in 2023 compared to only 20 in 2015. This combination of a declining rank and increasing competitiveness makes it crucial for Harding University to analyze its programs, outreach, and overall academic standing to attract prospective students more effectively in the years to come. The current decline serves as a reminder of the ever-changing higher education landscape and the importance of maintaining a strong position to ensure future success.

Trends in Admissions Data at Harding University

Over the years, Harding University has experienced notable fluctuations in the SAT and ACT scores of its admitted students, reflecting broader trends within the higher education landscape. The percentage of students who submitted SAT scores has decreased significantly from 40% in 2007 to just 18% in 2024, indicating a shift in the applicant pool and possibly a growing number of students opting for alternative assessment methods, such as the ACT or test-optional pathways.

As for the scores themselves, the 25th percentile SAT reading scores have generally shown a steady improvement, reaching a peak in recent years with scores consistently around the 530-540 range. The upper quartile (75th percentile) SAT reading scores have similarly remained robust, suggesting that the university is maintaining a strong academic standard. The ACT scores reveal a similar trend, with students' composite scores and individual sections like English and Math reflecting solid performance.

These trends may also mirror recent discussions in higher education about the efficacy and fairness of standardized testing, a topic that has gained traction amidst a broader national conversation on equity and accessibility in college admissions. As more institutions adopt test-optional policies, the impact on student demographics and academic outcomes at Harding University will be essential to monitor going forward. Overall, these insights reveal a dynamic and evolving admissions landscape at the university, emblematic of larger shifts within the sector.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Harding University in 2024

The demographic data from Harding University for the year 2024 presents a mixed picture of the student population across different categories. Incoming freshmen account for a substantial portion, with 864 students comprising nearly half male and half female, reflecting a relatively balanced gender ratio. This trend is encouraging as it indicates an approach towards gender equality in higher education.

Continuing undergraduates exhibit a slightly skewed gender distribution, with 55.9% being female and 44.1% male among the 2,331 students. This trend may be indicative of broader societal shifts, where female students are increasingly pursuing higher education. The transfer students also showcase a balanced gender composition, while graduate students appear to have the most pronounced disparity, with 63% being female and only 37% male.

The data on ethnic diversity reveals a predominance of white students across all categories, although specific numbers regarding other racial and ethnic groups remain unreported. This raises questions about the inclusivity of the university and whether it adequately represents the wider community. Notably, the high percentage of international students could provide additional cultural perspectives and enhance the educational experience, yet further details on these demographics are lacking.

Overall, Harding University's student composition reflects contemporary trends in gender participation in education, but it also highlights the ongoing need for initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion among different racial and ethnic populations to create a truly representative academic environment.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Harding University (2024)

The age distribution of students at Harding University in 2024 reveals interesting trends in both undergraduate and graduate demographics. The largest cohort consists of traditional college-age students aged 18-21. Specifically, students aged 18-19 account for approximately 42% of the total male population and 48% of the female population. This underscores the university's appeal to younger, traditional students, a trend common in many American universities.

However, as students progress into their early twenties, the numbers show a shift. The age group of 20-21 remains significant, with a strong presence of both male and female undergraduate students, suggesting that Harding successfully retains its students through their sophomore year. As age increases, the number of students significantly decreases, especially beyond the age of 24, indicating a drop in enrollment or interest from older demographics.

Interestingly, the university does see a diverse range of non-traditional students, particularly those aged 25-39, where graduate programs attract a higher female participation, distinguishing Harding as an inclusive institution. The presence of graduate students in their thirties highlights an ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Notably, the underrepresented groups, such as those aged 50 and above, make up a small fraction of the student body, indicating potential areas for growth if the university seeks to expand its programs to cater to older learners. Overall, the data illustrates Harding University's focus on a youthful demographic while also accommodating a robust graduate program that attracts a diverse age range.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Harding University

The data regarding international student enrollment at Harding University reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate population. From 2005 to 2024, the percentage of international students in undergraduate programs increased from 3.67% to 4.92%, peaking at 7.95% in 2022. This growth in diversity within the undergraduate community can be attributed to a variety of factors, including enhanced recruitment strategies, increased awareness of the university's offerings, and global trends favoring higher education abroad.

On the other hand, the graduate programs tell a different story. The percentage of international students has generally remained low, with numbers hovering around 2% to 3% for most years. The highest proportion noted was 3.63% in 2008 and 3.33% in 2024. Such figures suggest that while there is some interest in graduate studies at Harding, the university may need to bolster its appeal to potential international graduate students.

The total number of enrolled students has shown a gradual decline in recent years, raising questions about the factors influencing such a trend, including the ongoing impact of global events and competition among universities for international talent. In post-pandemic contexts, institutions must adopt innovative strategies to attract and retain international students, ensuring that diverse perspectives continue to enrich the educational environment. Overall, while Harding University has made strides in increasing its international undergraduate enrollment, additional efforts are required to enhance graduate program attractiveness to overseas students.

Here are some notable schools near Harding University:

1. Rhodes College - Ranked 59th, Rhodes College is a prestigious liberal arts college located in Memphis, Tennessee. Known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus, it offers a rich educational experience emphasizing critical thinking and leadership.

2. University of Memphis - With a rank of 266, the University of Memphis is a comprehensive university that provides a diverse array of programs and research opportunities. It plays an integral role in the local community and is known for its commitment to student success.

3. University of Mississippi - Also known as Ole Miss, this university ranks 171st and is renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

4. Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 21st, this prestigious institution is known for its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty. It provides a variety of degree programs and has a strong focus on research and innovation.

5. Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18th, Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a private research university known for its academic quality, diverse student body, and beautiful campus.

These institutions are excellent options for students considering higher education opportunities in the vicinity of Harding University.

Analysis of Crime Trends at Harding University

The data presented on crime statistics at Harding University reflects a notable trend of decreasing crime rates over the years. Starting with an average of 2.84 incidents per 1,000 students in 2013, the data shows fluctuations but generally trends downward, culminating in an impressive low of 0.64 incidents per 1,000 students in 2022. This significant decrease could potentially indicate improvements in campus safety measures, heightened awareness among students regarding personal safety, or effective crime prevention strategies employed by campus security.

It's crucial to highlight that while the overall crime rate decreased, certain types of crimes persisted throughout the years. There are recorded incidents related to drug arrests, alcohol-related offenses, and domestic violence, which are concerning and might reflect broader issues that need continued attention from university officials and law enforcement. The data suggests no occurrences of violent crimes such as murder or rape in recent years, highlighting a positive trend in serious offenses.

The steepest drop in crime was noted between 2019 and 2022, where incidents decreased from 1.80 to 0.64 per 1,000 students. This year's data shows a slight uptick to 1.50, prompting the necessity for ongoing vigilance and community engagement to maintain safe environments for students.

In comparison to national trends in campus safety, where many colleges report higher crime rates, Harding University's statistics may serve as a model for other institutions aiming to create a safer educational environment. Continuous efforts in educational programming and community initiatives will be vital to sustain and improve these gains in safety.

For more details on calculating crime rates, refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.