Est. Earnings (1yr)
$77,710
Est. from national median (262 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

Engineering programs in Arkansas cluster in the low-to-mid $70,000s for first-year earnings, and comparable programs nationally suggest Harding's graduates likely land in similar territory—around $78,000. The estimated $26,000 in debt sits slightly above both state and national medians for this field, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 remains manageable for an engineering degree. What you're really buying here is a Christian education framework paired with technical training at a school with open admission—a combination that may appeal to families prioritizing values alignment over academic selectivity.

The challenge is uncertainty. With too few graduates to generate school-specific data, you're relying on patterns from peer programs rather than proven outcomes from Harding's engineering department itself. That small cohort size could signal limited program maturity, fewer faculty resources, or simply a tight-knit learning environment—there's no way to know from the available information. Engineering is generally a strong bet financially, but the lack of track record here means you can't verify whether Harding delivers the same preparation as Arkansas's larger programs.

If your child thrives in Harding's environment and you value the faith integration, the financial picture based on similar programs looks reasonable enough to proceed. Just recognize you're making that decision with incomplete information about this specific program's outcomes.

Where Harding University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Harding UniversitySearcy$24,888$77,710*—$26,000*—
University of ArkansasFayetteville$9,748$76,832*$82,623$21,240*0.28
Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville$8,508$71,878*$69,283$17,100*0.24
National Median—$77,710*—$24,989*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 262 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.