Education at Harding University

Harding's education program charges significantly more than typical Arkansas education programs—$40,375 in median debt versus the state median of $33,448—yet graduates earn about $4,000 more than the state median of $35,155. That's not a terrible tradeoff in absolute terms, but it means new teachers are graduating with debt roughly equal to their entire first-year salary. For a profession known for modest starting pay and predictable salary schedules, this debt load will shape daily financial reality for years.

The earnings here outpace both state and national medians, placing graduates in the 60th percentile among Arkansas education programs. However, context matters: the highest-earning education program listed in Arkansas (University of Arkansas) shows lower earnings, which might reflect reporting quirks rather than genuine quality differences. The more concerning comparison is the debt—Harding ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of education programs send graduates out with less debt burden.

Given the small sample size, these numbers could shift substantially year to year. Still, the pattern is clear: families will pay private-school prices for outcomes that, while slightly above state averages, don't dramatically change the entry-level teacher salary equation. Unless your family values Harding's specific mission or campus culture very highly, Arkansas offers more affordable paths into teaching careers.