Design and Applied Arts at Harding University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Harding University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Harding University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all design and applied arts bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding University | $35,582 | $40,020 | — | — |
| University of Central Arkansas | $43,106 | — | — | — |
| University of Arkansas | $41,782 | — | $23,881 | 0.57 |
| Arkansas State University | $35,970 | $39,965 | — | — |
| John Brown University | $24,893 | $38,788 | $20,500 | 0.82 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | $22,016 | — | $25,559 | 1.16 |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Arkansas Conway | $10,118 | $43,106 | — |
| University of Arkansas Fayetteville | $9,748 | $41,782 | $23,881 |
| Arkansas State University Jonesboro | $7,754 | $35,970 | — |
| John Brown University Siloam Springs | $30,832 | $24,893 | $20,500 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia | $9,820 | $22,016 | $25,559 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Harding University, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.