Liberal Arts and Sciences at Harding University

Searcy, AR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,686/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 5.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #389 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $526K $526K $502K
Earnings Multiple 5.3x 5.3x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$99,552
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,316
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,829
11.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,709
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,686 per year, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Harding University earn below the $37,172 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 5.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $26,829 against $27,686/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #389 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Harding University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $27,686-to-$48,709 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Harding University

With 100% of applicants admitted, Harding University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,323 students in Searcy, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Harding University →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Harding University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Harding University?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Harding University a good choice for Liberal Arts and Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Harding University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →