harding university vs grand valley state

Harding University vs Grand Valley State University

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Harding University is a private Christian university in Searcy, Arkansas, and it is an affiliate of Churches of Christ. Harding is not ranked in the top global rankings such as QS or THE, but it is regionally ranked in the U.S. South in Nursing, Education, Theology, Business, and Health Sciences. Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public Michigan university that is in the top 600–650 position in the U.S. News Best Global Universities, but it shows better in regional U.S. rankings. GVSU has significant strengths in Business, Engineering, Nursing, and Health Professions, and notable as one of the finest midwestern public universities.

General Information

Harding University, established in 1924, has a student enrollment of approximately 4,800 with a heavy focus on faith-based learning, service, and world missions. Its 350-acre campus has a tight, religiously centered community. Grand Valley State University, established in 1960, is significantly larger with over 22,000 students spread over several campuses, including the Allendale main campus and a strong base in Grand Rapids. GVSU has a large diversity of programs and a more secular and diverse academic landscape than Harding's religious mission. 

Acceptance Rate & Admission

Harding University acceptance rate is approximately 54%, and it is moderately selective, with average admitted students having GPAs of 3.5. Standardized test scores are not required but typically range from SAT 1080–1250 or ACT 21–27. GVSU has a similar acceptance rate of about 88%, making it less selective, with average incoming GPAs around 3.6 and SAT scores in the 1060–1240 range. Both schools are relatively accessible compared to elite universities, but Harding emphasizes alignment with Christian values in admissions, while GVSU is broadly inclusive.

Research Impact & Facilities

Harding University conducts smaller-scale research in applied health sciences, ministry studies, and education. It is famous for its College of Pharmacy and Nursing programs, providing professional preparation with hands-on clinical experiences. GVSU, being a larger public institution, heavily invests in STEM, health sciences, and business research, with state-of-the-art facilities such as the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences in Grand Rapids and solid connections with Michigan's business and healthcare industries.

Cost & Financial Aid

Harding University, being a private school, is around $24,000 per year in tuition, and overall costs (room and board included) are around $33,000 per year. GVSU charges in-state students around $14,500 per year in tuition, and out-of-state students pay around $20,000; overall costs are around $27,000–$32,000 per year depending on in-state or out-of-state residency. Both schools offer scholarships: Harding emphasizes faith- and merit-based scholarships, whereas GVSU offers a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships as a public school.

Graduate Studies & Research

Harding alumni are well represented in nursing, pharmacy, education, and ministry, with average mid-career salaries of around $52,000 (INR 43 lakh). GVSU alumni perceive more opportunities in business, health sciences, and engineering, with higher average mid-career salaries of around $62,000 (INR 51 lakh). Harding alumni are particularly well represented in Christian communities and healthcare professions, whereas GVSU alumni are dispersed throughout Michigan's industries, especially in healthcare, business, and engineering.