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Harding University and Lyon College are both private nonprofit institutions — Harding University in Searcy, AR and Lyon College in Batesville, AR. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Searcy, AR · Private
Acceptance rate: 70.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,382
Tuition: $26,262/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.8%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Searcy, AR with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
Batesville, AR · Private
Acceptance rate: 62.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 648
Tuition: $31,000/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 46.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Batesville, AR with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
| Factor | Harding University | Lyon College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 70.5% | 62.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1050–1290 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 20–29 | 24 average |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,382 | 648 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $26,262/year | $31,000/year |
| Average net price after aid | $22,130 | $19,616 |
| Graduation rate | 68.8% | 46.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $52,876 | $44,232 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 13.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Searcy, AR | Batesville, AR |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Education | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Psychology |
Lyon College is more selective (62.8% vs 70.5% acceptance rate). Lyon College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($19,616 vs $22,130). Harding University reports the higher graduation rate (68.8% vs 46.8%). Harding University is the larger undergraduate campus (3,382 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Harding University and Lyon College
Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70.5%; Lyon College is around 62.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Harding University tuition is $26,262/year. Lyon College is $31,000/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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