Analysis
Harding's social work graduates earn significantly more than their peers—about $8,700 above the Arkansas median and nearly $4,500 above the national median. Among Arkansas social work programs, these earnings place graduates in the 80th percentile, outpacing even the state's flagship University of Arkansas. The $29,000 median debt is close to typical levels but manageable relative to first-year earnings.
The real question is whether these strong outcomes reflect the program itself or just a handful of exceptional graduates. With fewer than 30 students in the sample, this data could easily shift with just a few different career paths. The flat earnings trajectory from year one to year four ($41,835 to $42,758) is typical for social work but worth noting—don't expect substantial salary growth in this field.
For a student committed to social work, this looks like a solid option if the numbers hold up. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 is better than most social work programs achieve. However, the small sample size means you should try to connect with recent graduates directly to verify these outcomes before banking on them. If your child is still exploring majors, remember that social work salaries plateau early, so this career requires genuine commitment to the mission rather than financial upside.
Where Harding University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Harding University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harding University | $41,835 | $42,758 | +2% |
| New York University | $26,837 | $64,289 | +140% |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $35,408 | $46,872 | +32% |
| Arkansas State University | $33,140 | $43,119 | +30% |
| University of Arkansas | $35,424 | $41,601 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Harding UniversitySearcy | $24,888 | $41,835 | $42,758 | $29,000 | 0.69 |
 University of ArkansasFayetteville | $9,748 | $35,424 | $41,601 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
 University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock | $8,455 | $35,408 | $46,872 | $26,980 | 0.76 |
 Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro | $7,754 | $33,140 | $43,119 | $29,370 | 0.89 |
 University of Arkansas-Fort SmithFort Smith | $6,906 | $32,532 | — | $23,500 | 0.72 |
 University of Arkansas at Pine BluffPine Bluff | $9,019 | $28,094 | — | $29,145 | 1.04 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.