We know you've been working hard to get to this point, and that matters to us. That's why more than 90 percent of our undergraduate students receive financial aid, with approximately $60 million awarded annually.
Through completing the FAFSA forms and working with the Office of Financial Aid Services on campus, grants, loans and scholarships are available to students. Not all scholarships listed have funds available, and you can’t apply directly for these scholarships. Information about new scholarships, scholarships requiring a separate application and other sources of scholarship funds are available by contacting the Office of Financial Aid Services. You can also call their office at 501-279-4257. Learn more about graduate and professional scholarships and grants as well as financial aid options for Graduate Programs.
Whether you've earned an academic scholarship or qualify for need-based grants, we're working to help make Harding affordable for every student.
| Expense | Semester | Year |
| Tuition ($843 per hour) | $12,645 | $25,290 |
| Technology Fee | $336 | $672 |
| Class Fees (Average) | $150 | $300 |
| Housing | $2,280 | $4,560 |
| All Access Food Plan | $2,250 | $4,500 |
| Billable Costs Payable to Harding | $17,661 | $35,322 |
NOTICE: This information provided as a general guideline for planning purposes only.
Learn more about Federal Financial Aid Cost of Attendance and see a comprehensive listing of expenses that may be associated with enrollment.
Dorm fee includes 3 loads of laundry per week. All potential fees listed at harding.edu/catalog. This information is subject to change without notice.
**For students enrolled in 12 hours or less, the Technology Fee is calculated based upon the number of hours enrolled.
Federal Pell Grant and Federal SEOG Grant
Apply for these programs by submitting the FAFSA.
Federal TEACH Grant/Loan
Grant for undergraduate and graduate students willing to teach low income students in a high need field. Available undergraduate and graduate students. Obligates student to a four year service requirement after graduation, otherwise converts to a loan. To apply, must complete online Teach Grant Counseling and an Agreement to Serve.
Academic Achievement Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded to admitted freshmen and are calculated on a combination of test scores and high school GPA. Scholarship amounts range from $7,000 to $11,000 per year for four years or eight semesters. Students may retake the ACT, SAT or CLT through July after their senior year to improve their scores and increase their scholarship amount. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0. Please see the standardized test score chart.
Trustee Scholar AwardThe Trustee Scholar Award is an esteemed scholarship offering full tuition, specially extended to a select group of incoming freshmen. These recipients are chosen from a pool of candidates who meet the following qualifications:
Important Note: Official scores must be received before January 1 of the student’s enrollment year.
To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, candidates must complete a Trustee Scholar application and successfully partake in an interview. Once awarded, Trustee Scholars are expected to uphold a minimum GPA of 3.25 and reside in on-campus housing.
In addition to the full tuition scholarship, recipients are granted admission into the Honors College as Honors Scholars.
National MeritNational Merit Semifinalist
Awarded to incoming freshmen who are selected as Semifinalists in the National Merit or National Achievement scholarship program and have selected Harding University as their first-choice university with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The award for this scholarship is full undergraduate tuition. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.25 and live in campus housing.
National Merit Finalist
Awarded to incoming freshmen who are selected as Finalists in the National Merit scholarship program and have selected Harding University as their first-choice university with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The award for this scholarship is full undergraduate tuition and a $2,000 annual stipend. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.25 and live in campus housing.
Need-based grants and scholarshipsThe Harding Grant
Amount: $3,000
Requirements: Submit FAFSA and be accepted for undergraduate admission
The Harding Grant was established due to Harding University's commitment to making Christian higher education more affordable. While Harding is consistently ranked a “Best College for the Money” by Money Magazine and College Factual, we recognize that additional financial assistance is needed in certain cases. Harding strives to make it possible for all students to discover their inspired purpose here.
To be considered for the Harding Grant, please complete the FAFSA beginning October 1 of your senior year of high school. The FAFSA will be used to determine your Expected Family Contribution. Once Harding receives your FAFSA, you will be considered for need-based federal, state and institutional grants including the Harding Grant. Need-based grants will be communicated to students on their award letters which are sent to admitted students in late fall and spring each year.
Women for Harding
Scholarships are available for male and female members of a church of Christ based on financial need. The award amount varies. One letter of recommendation is required. For more information visit harding.edu/women. The application deadline is February 15.
Tuition DiscountsAll discounts are valid for a maximum of four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate education. Recipients must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours) each semester.
Church Leadership — Discounted Counseling Skills Certificate
Through the College of Education's Department of Mental Health and Wellness, the Graduate Certificate in Counseling Skills is offered to church ministers, shepherds and ministry leaders at a significantly reduced rate. The cost of the first class is $250 with the remaining classes 50% off. For more information see Certificate in Counseling Skills or contact us at 501-279-4500 or mhw@harding.edu.
Orphan Discount
Awarded to children who have lost both parents through death and remained a ward of the state until age 18 (evidenced by court documentation), or to any resident of a church of Christ affiliated Christian children's home who has been legally and permanently separated from both parents (as certified by an administrator of the children's home). The award amount is 25% tuition.
Veterans Benefits and Yellow Ribbon Program
Veteran benefits plus a contribution from Harding total full tuition and fees for qualified students. Begin the process by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs. All Harding grant/scholarship awards will be included when calculating the Harding University Yellow Ribbon award. To apply, submit your Certificate of Eligibility and DD Form 214 to Harding University.
Mail to:
Harding University
Registrar's Office
HU 10766
Searcy, AR 72149-0766
CHRISTIAN MINISTERS AND EDUCATORS SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to unmarried dependents of full-time ministers (pulpit, youth, worship, etc.) or missionaries serving and living outside the United States or full-time K-12 Christian school employees or full-time Christian college employees at qualifying institutions. The K-12 school must be a member of the National Christian School Association or The Council on Educational Standards and Accountability. The award amount is $4,000 per year. This scholarship may be combined with other institutional scholarships but may not exceed full tuition and is valid for a maximum of four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate education. Recipients must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours) each semester. Recipients are only eligible for one Christian Ministers and Educators Scholarship regardless of whether both parents qualify. Complete the Christian College Ministers and Educators Discount Scholarship Request Form to apply.
Transfer Student Scholarships
Awarded to transfer students (transferring 14 hours or more) enrolling at the main campus with a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Award amounts range from $4,000 to $8,000 per year. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0. Only Harding courses will be considered in GPA calculation.
Living on campus:
4.00 - $8,000 per year
3.50 to 3.99 - $7,000 per year
3.00 to 3.49 - $5,000 per year
2.50 to 2.99 - $4,000 per year
Living off campus:
4.00 - $3,000 per year
3.50 to 3.99 - $2,500 per year
3.00 to 3.49 - $2,000 per year
2.50 to 2.99 - $1,500 per year
Walton International Scholarship Program
Information is available on the Walton International Scholarship Program webpage.
Deadline: October 31
Scholarships for Arkansans
Legacy Scholarship
Members of the Class of 1972 have established an endowed fund for the purpose of providing one or more scholarships each year for incoming freshmen who are descendants of former Harding students. Download the Legacy Scholarship application. More information on endowed funds and scholarships can be found in our Office of Advancement - Scholarships.
Christian High School Graduate Scholarship
Awarded to first-time freshmen who graduate from a school that is a member of the National Christian School Association or The Council on Educational Standards and Accountability. The scholarship is $1,000 per year for four years and may be combined with other institutional scholarships but may not exceed full tuition. There is no application required for this scholarship but will be awarded to your account upon receival of your final high school transcript from a NCSA school.
Church Match Scholarships
Does your church provide scholarships to its members? Harding will match up to $500 per year of scholarship funds awarded by partner churches. Churches interested in participating should contact the business office at 501-279-4336.
Homeschool Scholarship
Recognized as the most homeschool-friendly college in Arkansas by Alpha Omega Publications, Harding University is committed to helping homeschool students reach their fullest academic potential while learning more about God and strengthening their faith. In an effort to recognize the excellent preparedness of these students, Harding will award a $2,000 per year (renewable for four years) scholarship to students graduating from a homeschool. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must simply apply to Harding and submit their homeschool transcript.
*The award is eligible to stack with other Harding-funded scholarships up to full tuition.
Christian Leadership and Service Scholarship
Harding strives to encourage and equip all students to develop their gifts for Christian leadership and is committed to awarding scholarships to students with leadership experience, aspirations and abilities. It is Harding’s mission to develop the Christian leaders of the future. Apply for the Christian Leadership and Service Scholarship. These scholarships do not stack with those already awarded a scholarship of 50% or greater.
Missionary Children Scholarship
The Harding University Missionary Children Grant program is intended to provide a grant for the undergraduate dependent children of United States missionaries serving on foreign mission fields. The grant is $2,000 per year for four years (eight semesters) and is stackable with institutional aid, including the Christian Ministers and Educators Scholarship. Please note that all institutional aid is limited to the tuition cap. Apply for the Missionary Children Scholarship.
Art and DesignInformation and Guidelines
The Harding University Department of Art & Design has new student scholarships that range from $600-$1,000 per year. Students must meet the criteria listed below to be eligible for one of the scholarships. The scholarship could be awarded up to four semesters if the student continues to meet the GPA requirement. A GPA of 3.0 in Art & Design courses must be maintained to continue the scholarship. All students with the required GPA may then apply for a scholarship Sophomore year that would apply for junior and senior year. All criteria in one PDF file must be received by the art office by the first Friday in April. Email the PDF file to pwhite@harding.edu.
Scholarship Criteria
Portfolio Contents
For more information and specific details on fine art, graphic design and interior design portfolio submissions, view the application document. If you send your portfolio by mail, please wrap it securely in a reusable carton. We will either return it to you by mail, or if you desire, we will hold it for you to pick up.
If we can be of any assistance to you, please let us know. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
This scholarship is awarded to non-traditional (24 years of age) on-campus students majoring in Bible. Awarded as a “needs-based” gift determined by student application and an interview with administration. Students in the Bible degree program are eligible to apply in the fourth week of the Spring and Fall semesters. Applications are available through the Center for Distance Education in Bible & Ministry.
Harding shall give preference to applicants who meet the following qualifications: 1) non-degree seeking students enrolled in the Certificate of Completion in Christian Ministry, 2) international students who demonstrate church leadership in their local congregations, and 3) students who are receiving the 50 percent Distance Bible Scholarship from the Center for Distance Education in Bible and ministry. Students must be affiliated with the Churches of Christ and funds must be available. There is a waiting list if funds are not available. There is no deadline.
Recipients of this scholarship choose one of four different bachelor degrees to complete. The degree options are as follows:
The Directors Scholarship recipient must be 24 years or older, study for their degree in Searcy, Arkansas, already be involved in doing some form of ministry, have the funding for living expenses while studying at Harding University, be offered the scholarship after going through the process for consideration. To apply, fill out the application and communicate with the Center for Distance Education.
Equip at Harding University is pleased to announce that employed ministers in the churches of Christ may take one free Bible class per semester for credit. Students in the Equip Program may take courses online or in person. For more information about the Equip Program and the scholarship, visit harding.edu/equip-scholarships or contact us at onlinebible@harding.edu.
Scholarships are open to any full-time (12 hours) major in the College of Bible and Ministry: Bible and Ministry, Bible and Family Ministry, Bible and Missions, Bible and Preaching. If the student changes his/her major or leaves school, the scholarship will be voided the entire semester in which the change occurs. The deadline for of all application materials for general scholarship is April 1; deadline for receipt of Yingling scholarship application materials is March 1 in order to be eligible for awards for the fall and spring semesters. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, cumulative grade point average, character, service to others, professional promise, and clarity of personal goals. Bible scholarships are NOT automatically renewed each year. Students must reapply each spring for awards for the following academic year. Scholarship recipients will be notified in July. Contact College of Bible & Ministry at 501-279-4808 for further information. Find applications and more information from the College of Bible & Ministry Scholarship Committee.
Find applications and more information from the College of Bible & Ministry Scholarship Committee.
Applications should be submitted to Dr. Andrew Baker. Find applications and more information from the College of Bible & Ministry Scholarship Committee.
Communication Sciences & DisordersThis scholarship is available to Graduate Level Speech-Language Pathology accepted students. Selection of recipients is made by the graduate admissions committee when students are accepted.
Deadline: February 15 through CSDCAS
This scholarship is available to Harding University computer science students. Recipients should demonstrate financial need, and are active in software development projects that serve the Lord's Kingdom or directly benefit society. Dana Steil selects the recipient. Students are selected as deemed appropriate.
Contact: Dana Steil
This scholarship is for continuing students in the department of Computer Science. Applications are sent to all students in March each year, and the scholarships are awarded in April. Considerations are made based on scholarship, financial need, and service.
Contact: Dr. Tim Baird
Student Status: Continuing students
The scholarship is for continuing students in the department of Computer Science. Applications are sent to all students in March each year and the scholarships are awarded in April. Considerations are made based on scholarship, financial need, and service.
Contact: Dr. Tim Baird
Student Status: Continuing students
The scholarship is for continuing students in the department of Computer Science. Applications are sent to all students in March each year and the scholarships are awarded in April. Considerations are made based on scholarship, financial need, and service.
Contact: Dr. Tim Baird
Student Status: Continuing students
The scholarship is for continuing students in the department of Computer Science. Applications are sent to all students in March each year and the scholarships are awarded in April. Considerations are made based on scholarship, financial need, and service.
Contact: Dr. Tim Baird
Student Status: Continuing students
Student eligible for this scholarship must self-identify as a member of an under-represented population as defined by federal guidelines, be a full-time student at Harding during the semester or academic year for which the scholarship is issued, be accepted to the Teacher Education Program of the Cannon-Clary College of Education, have a reputation for scholarship, honesty, and hard work among faculty and peers, demonstrated good character, goal-orientation, diligence, and capability, and have demonstrated financial need based on the Federal Pell Grant guidelines. Candidates with an aspiration to work with under-represented populations may be given special consideration.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Deadline: varies; usually by late January
Application: For more information, contact the Education Department.
This scholarship is available to education majors based on GPA, leadership, financial need, reputation and diligence. Awarded to two juniors and two seniors.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Deadline: Spring
Application: Flyers are available in the education building with details
This scholarship is available to upper-level education majors who will be teaching in Arkansas in the fields of special education, math, science or foreign language. Recipients must be a junior with at least a 3.0 GPA and must maintain that GPA as a senior.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Deadline: Spring
Application: Flyers are available in the education building with details
This award is given to education majors who are full-time students based on leadership, diligence, reputation, GPA and financial need. Special consideration is given to applicants recommended by the Dean of the College of Education.
Student Status : Continuing Student
Deadline: Spring
Application: Flyers are available in the education building with details
The scholarship is given to elementary education majors based on GPA, reputation and financial need. Applicants must be full-time students.
Student Status : Continuing Student
Deadline: Spring
Application: Flyers are available in the education building with details
Preference for this scholarship is given to an education major with a focus on elementary or secondary education. Awards are given based on GPA, diligence and good reputation. Applicants must be full-time and demonstrate financial need.
Student Status : Continuing Student
Deadline: Spring
Application: Flyers are available in the education building with details
These scholarships are given to students, preferably in education with special consideration given to those who are Mississippi residents and full-time students. Selection is based on GPA, leadership, financial need and reputation.
Student Status : Continuing Student
Deadline: Spring
Application: Flyers are available in the education building with details
Special consideration for this scholarship will be given to students who plan to enter the profession of Education or teaching. Students are selected for this scholarship based on GPA, reputation and financial need.
Student Status : Continuing Student
Deadline: Spring
Application: Flyers are available in the education building with details
Students are eligible to receive this one-time scholarship based on academic standing (evaluated through high school transcripts), character reference, and writing sample about the value of an English degree. Fill out the Freshman English Scholarship Application pdf to apply.
Student Status: Freshman student declaring English
Deadline: August 23
The Dottie Wright Endowed Scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman who plans to major or minor in French. The scholarship amount is $300 per semester that the student is enrolled in a French class. Applications and supporting documentation are due in the foreign language office by May 1 and can be mailed to Box 12263, Harding University, Searcy AR 72149 or sent electronically to forlang@harding.edu.
Students who major in Nursing and plan to complete at least a minor in Spanish may be eligible for the Booth Memorial Scholarship. Contact knbond@harding.edu for more information.
Students who are native speakers of French or who plan to work in French-speaking church missions may be eligible for the Doyle Kee Memorial Scholarship. Contact rmccready@harding.edu for more information.
Italian students may be eligible for the Remo Jacuzzi Scholarship. Contact jlove1@harding.edu for more information.
Health Sciences & PremedEach year 15-20 qualified juniors and seniors who wish to pursue a career in the health sciences are awarded Coons-Farrar Scholarships totaling approximately $25,000. The Coons-Farrar Endowment Fund was established in 1981 by Dr. Callie Mae Coons in memory of mother Catherine Ann Farrar Williams. Dr. Coons was chairperson of the Home Economics Department and her husband, Dr. Robert Roy Coons, was chairman of the Chemistry department here at Harding in the early 1930's. The Coons later taught at Pepperdine, but eventually moved to Washington, D.C., where sister Coons continued her nutrition research at the Department of Agriculture. The Coons-Farrar endowment fund was established primarily to provide scholarships for qualified juniors and seniors (those with at least 60 credit hours total, including CLEP) who plan to pursue careers in biomedical and allied health fields.
The recipients are premedical students, nursing and dietetics majors, and those majoring in mathematics, computer science, physical science and biology who plan to pursue a professional career in the health sciences. In selecting recipients for these awards, the Allied Health Science Committee takes into consideration scholarship, demonstrated capability in ones chosen field, and potential for future service to the biomedical or allied health professions. Financial need is also a factor in determining the recipients. Special consideration is given to those who demonstrate an interest in working in the mission field or in medically under-served areas, or to someone who has demonstrated a particular desire to apply current developments in technology to the health field.
Note: The committee has established that the Coons-Farrar awards require a minimum GPA of 3.3 on all hours and a minimum GPA of 3.3 on at least 15 hours of credit in the "hard sciences" (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math). This requirement is specified on the application form.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Contact: Dr. Dennis Matlock or Mrs. Tia Stone
This scholarship was established in 1991 by Ron and Karen Blachly. Dr. Blachly graduated from Harding in 1973 with a degree in Chemistry and then attended the University of Arkansas Medical School. His wife Karen graduated in 1975 with a degree in Dietetics.
This scholarship is awarded to a full-time junior or senior at Harding who is pursuing a degree in medicine minimum GPA of 3.5. The student must have a and have a good reputation among faculty and students alike. To determine the recipient of this scholarship, the Allied Health Science Committee considers financial need, scholarship, and demonstrated capability and potential for future service to mankind. Note: The committee typically selects the top two or three applicants and submits their applications to the Blachlys, who make the final selection.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Contact: Dr. Debbie Duke or Mrs. Tia Stone
Mrs. Juanita Nichols chose to honor her husband of over 50 years by helping upperclass premedical
students to attend Harding University as her husband did in 1934 and 1935. Otis Nichols had a great
desire and dream to become a medical doctor, but events including WWII prevented him from following that path. It was Mrs. Nichols' desire to help to prepare physicians who will practice medicine with an understanding and philosophy consistent with Christian ideals.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Contact: Dr. Debbie Duke or Mrs. Tia Stone
Dr. Rodney Carlton, a leader in medicine in the state of Arkansas, was a pathologist who was
instrumental in setting up the Arkansas State Crime Lab. Mr. Carlton and his family have provided this scholarship particularly for an upperclassman Arkansas student who plans to attend medical school.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Contact: Dr. Debbie Duke or Mrs. Tia Stone
Dr. Stan Schwartz attended Harding University in the late 50's and then attended medical school at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Schwartz, an orthopedic surgeon, was a leader in the Searcy medical
community. His family has chosen to honor him by providing this scholarship for an upperclassman
premedical student at Harding each year based on scholarship, leadership, diligence, demonstrated
capability, and financial need.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Contact: Dr. Debbie Duke
The Duane Priest Premedical Scholarship has been given every year since 1970, usually to a senior.
Duane Priest, who was a premedical student at Harding from 1967 to 1969 was involved along with his wife in a tragic automobile accident between Searcy and Memphis. Duane was fatally injured and his wife was very seriously injured in the accident. Duane's family givens this scholarship each year in his honor.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Contact: Dr. Debbie Duke or Mrs. Tia Stone
Mr. Gene Dugger was a man of God who tried to instill in his students the love of God. He loved Harding and started teaching at Harding at age 25. His career extended 45 years. Gene taught math and started Harding's first computer center. This scholarship is divided evenly between a mathematics student and a premedical student.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Contact: Dr. Debbie Duke or Dr. Ron Smith
Scholarships are available for students planning a career in the health sciences. Students with 60 or more credit hours by the start of the fall semester are encouraged to apply. Applicants may include pre-medical students, nursing majors, dietetics majors, and exercise science majors, as well as students majoring in medical humanities, mathematics, computer science, and the physical or biological sciences who wish to pursue a professional degree in the health sciences.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Contact: Tia Stone (501-279-4980)
This award is available to music majors with good academic records. Recipients are selected by audition before music faculty members.
Student Status: Freshman or continuing student
Deadline: May 1, with exceptions
Application: Contact music@harding.edu for forms and procedures.
This scholarship is available to music majors enrolled in private voice lessons. Recipients are selected based on vocal ability and progress and service to department. Funds may be split. There is no deadline or application.
Student Status: Continuing student
This award will go to a music major whose current scholarship amount is not commensurate to his or her talent and service, especially a student in a ninth semester.
Student Status: Continuing Student
Deadline: Four weeks before the end of the spring semester
Application: contact Dr. Jay Walls
This scholarship is given to a music major who is an instrumental ensemble participant. The award goes to an outstanding instrumental student; preference is given to those who are also in a vocal ensemble. Funds may be split.
Student Status: Continuing student
Deadline: Four weeks before the end of the spring semester
Application: contact Dr. Jay Walls
This Scholarship that is available to music majors enrolled in private voice lessons based on their vocal ability and progress and their service to department. Funds may be split. There is no deadline or application.
Student Status: Continuing student
This scholarship is available to music majors enrolled in private voice lessons. Recipients are selected based on vocal ability and progress and service to department. Funds may be split. There is no deadline or application.
Student Status: Continuing student
This award will go to a music major whose current scholarship amount is not commensurate to his or her talent and service. There is no deadline or application.
Student Status: Continuing student
This scholarship goes to music majors enrolled in private voice lessons based on vocal ability and progress and service to department. Funds may be split. There is no deadline or application.
Student Status: Continuing student
Students eligible for this scholarship are music majors, especially those interested in church music or composition. The award goes to an outstanding student who shows promise in composition or in church music. Funds may be split.
Student Status: Continuing student
Deadline: Four weeks before the end of the spring semester
Application: Application is made to Dr. Jay Walls
Students eligible for these scholarships are music education majors. The award is made to a student who shows special promise as a music teacher. There is no deadline or application or application form.
Student Status: Continuing student
This scholarship is awarded based on scholarship, leadership, diligence, demonstrated capability, and financial need. Recipients shall maintain a satisfactory grade point average and a good reputation among faculty and students. The amount is determined on a yearly basis dependent on available funds. There is no application.
Deadline: April 1
