Harding University
Harding University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts university in Searcy, Arkansas, founded in 1924, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple colleges, plus online, international study-abroad at six global sites, and senior-adult outreach.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1924
- HeadquartersSearcy, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Harding University does
Harding University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution founded in 1924 and headquartered in Searcy, Arkansas. It operates a multi-college structure spanning Bible and Ministry, Business Administration, Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Arts and Sciences, Allied Health, and an Honors College, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs alongside online and dual-enrollment options. The university serves a diversified student base that includes traditional undergraduates, graduate and professional students, study-abroad participants across six international sites (including programs in Greece, Italy, Zambia, and Peru), and a senior-adult outreach ministry called Abundant Living. Affiliated operating units include Harding Academy (a college-preparatory school), Harding School of Theology (graduate theological education), and Abundant Living (a magazine, retreat, and travel program reaching Christian seniors in more than 30 states).
The university's revenue model is a hybrid of tuition and fees (including online and international study-abroad tuition), philanthropic grants and gifts (with a tiered President's Council giving program ranging from $600 to $15,000+ annually), federal grant funding (e.g., the U.S. Department of Education-funded Upward Bound program serving 65 high school students in White and Woodruff counties), and subscription-based auxiliary revenue such as the Abundant Living quarterly magazine ($25/year individual subscription) and paid alumni travel and retreat packages priced from $300 to $3,400 per participant. Distribution is conducted through on-campus residential programs in Searcy, self-serve online degree delivery, six global study-abroad sites, and consumer-direct subscription and event channels. Capital expansion is funded through named endowment and capital campaigns, including an $8.5 million Harding School of Theology Library Addition project.
The institution is governed by an independent board of trustees with no parent company or external ownership, operates a Chief Growth and Strategy Officer function, and reports a 91% post-graduate outcome rate within six months, a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and an average class size of 22 as its principal outcome metrics. Marketing channels span the official website, a twice-yearly Harding Magazine with 50,000 circulation to alumni, a dedicated news site, organic social media, campus visit programs, community outreach (Upward Bound), and a distinguished lecture series through the American Studies Institute.
Harding University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Harding University
- Legal name
- Harding University, Inc.
- Website
- https://harding.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1924
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Harding University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts university in Searcy, Arkansas, founded in 1924, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple colleges, plus online, international study-abroad at six global sites, and senior-adult outreach.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Harding University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Christian Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Religiously Affiliated Liberal Arts Colleges (EDAHACAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA), Alumni Communications, Marketing & Publications (EDALAOAF), Residential Liberal Arts Colleges (EDAHACAH)
Keywords
Where Harding University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Searcy
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Harding University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, including online programs and international study abroad programs.
- Grants and Gifts: Harding University receives grants from foundations like Lilly Endowment and donations from alumni, supporters, and organizations through the President's Council and other giving programs.
- Abundant Living Magazine Subscriptions: Magazine subscription revenue targeting Christian seniors aged 55+, published quarterly with readership across more than 30 states.
- Campus Projects and Endowments: Capital campaigns for campus development including the Harding School of Theology Library Addition ($8.5 million project), Holland-Waller Center, Track and Football Field Renovations, and various named endowment funds.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Abundant Living Magazine Annual Subscription |
| Subscription | Annual | President's Council Annual Giving Levels |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Abundant Living Branson Retreat 2026 |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Lighthouses of Maine Tour 2026 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Harding University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Harding University is a private Christian liberal arts university delivering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across colleges including Bible and Ministry, Business Administration, Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Arts and Sciences, and Allied Health. The institution supports instruction through on-campus residential programs at its Searcy, Arkansas campus, fully online degree pathways, and six international study abroad program sites (Greece, Italy, Zambia, Peru, and others). Auxiliary service lines include Harding Academy (K-12 college-preparatory school), the Harding School of Theology, and the Abundant Living senior-adult outreach program offering a quarterly magazine, annual retreats, and group travel.
Product overview
Harding University is a Christian liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across multiple colleges including Bible and Ministry, Business Administration, Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Sciences, and Allied Health. The university also operates international programs (HUG-Greece, HUF-Italy, HIZ-Zambia, HULA-Peru), provides student support services through the Academic Resource Center (tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching), and maintains alumni engagement programs including Abundant Living for seniors. As a higher education institution rather than a technology product company, Harding University does not operate a software product platform with modules or add-ons.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Undergraduate Degree Programs Four-year Christ-centered liberal arts undergraduate degree programs delivered on the Searcy, Arkansas campus across multiple colleges including Arts and Sciences, Bible and Ministry, Business Administration, Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Allied Health, and Honors.
- Graduate and Professional Degree Programs Master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs spanning business, education, counseling, nursing, pharmacy, and theology, available to working professionals and post-baccalaureate students.
- Online Degree Programs Fully online degree programs and courses enabling remote learners to complete undergraduate and graduate credentials without on-campus attendance.
- International Study Abroad Programs Study abroad programs at six international sites including Harding University in Greece (HUG), Florence Italy (HUF), Zambia (HIZ), and Peru (HULA), offering cross-cultural academic experiences.
- Harding Academy College preparatory private Christian K-12 school operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary, serving students from preschool through high school with a faith-based curriculum.
- Abundant Living Magazine Subscription Quarterly magazine subscription for Christian seniors aged 55+ featuring devotional content, spiritual encouragement, and community news, delivered across more than 30 states at $25/year individual or $22/year for groups of 10+.
- Abundant Living Retreats and Group Tours Annual faith-based retreats in Branson, Missouri and group travel tours (e.g., Lighthouses of Maine 2026) for Abundant Living subscribers and Christian seniors, with per-person registration fees and hotel packages.
Quantifiable outcome
- 91% of graduates have recognized professional outcomes within six months of graduating
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Harding University
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Harding University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Harding University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- Thousand Hills Resort HotelminorPartnership with Thousand Hills Resort Hotel in Branson, MO for Abundant Living annual retreats. Hotel provides discounted room rate of $115/night with breakfast included for retreat attendees.
- Sunset International Bible InstituteminorSponsor of Abundant Living program serving retirement-age Christians with spiritual content and resources.
- World Bible School (WBS)minorSponsor of Abundant Living program providing biblical education resources to Christian seniors.
- Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort Inc.minorSponsor partner of Abundant Living program serving communities in need through Christian outreach.
- Children's Homes, Inc.minorSponsor of Abundant Living program supporting children and families through Christian charitable work.
Scale indicators6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Harding University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Abilene Christian University: Abilene Christian University is a private Church of Christ-affiliated university in Abilene, Texas offering undergraduate and graduate programs with similar faith-based liberal arts positioning. It is the closest direct peer to Harding given shared religious affiliation, program mix, and regional scale.
- Lipscomb University: Lipscomb University is a private Church of Christ-affiliated university in Nashville, Tennessee with undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It is highly comparable to Harding on denominational affiliation, program portfolio including pharmacy and education, and similar mid-sized private university profile.
- Oklahoma Christian University: Oklahoma Christian University is a Church of Christ-affiliated private university in Oklahoma City offering liberal arts and professional programs. Comparable to Harding on faith affiliation, undergraduate focus, and small-class educational model.
- Lubbock Christian University: Lubbock Christian University is a Church of Christ-affiliated private liberal arts university in Lubbock, Texas. Closely matches Harding on denominational affiliation, residential liberal arts model, and similar regional private university scale.
- Freed-Hardeman University: Freed-Hardeman University is a Church of Christ-affiliated private university in Henderson, Tennessee offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Shares Harding's faith affiliation, small-class educational approach, and similar undergraduate-focused mission.
- Faulkner University: Faulkner University is a Church of Christ-affiliated private university in Montgomery, Alabama offering liberal arts and professional programs. Directly comparable to Harding on religious affiliation, program mix, and regional private university footprint.
- Wheaton College: Wheaton College is a faith-affiliated private liberal arts college in Wheaton, Illinois with strong graduate outcomes and small class sizes. Comparable to Harding on faith-based liberal arts positioning, residential model, and outcome-driven reputation.
Broad incumbents
- Liberty University: Liberty University is a large private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia with extensive online programs and broad faith-based curriculum. Comparable to Harding on faith-based positioning but operates at much larger scale with nationally recognized brand.
- Baylor University: Baylor University is a large Baptist-affiliated private research university in Waco, Texas with extensive graduate and professional programs. Comparable to Harding on faith-based private university positioning but at substantially larger scale with research university status.
- Pepperdine University: Pepperdine University is a Church of Christ-affiliated private university in Malibu, California with strong undergraduate programs and Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Shares Harding's Church of Christ heritage and faith-based mission but operates at larger scale on the West Coast.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Harding University social profiles
Digital presenceHarding University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Harding University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Harding University subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Harding University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Harding University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Harding University
What does Harding University do?
Harding University is a private Christian liberal arts university delivering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across colleges including Bible and Ministry, Business Administration, Education, Nursing, Pharmacy, Arts and Sciences, and Allied Health. The institution supports instruction through on-campus residential programs at its Searcy, Arkansas campus, fully online degree pathways, and six international study abroad program sites (Greece, Italy, Zambia, Peru, and others). Auxiliary service lines include Harding Academy (K-12 college-preparatory school), the Harding School of Theology, and the Abundant Living senior-adult outreach program offering a quarterly magazine, annual retreats, and group travel.
Is Harding University a public or private company?
Harding University is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Harding University founded?
Harding University was founded in 1924. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Harding University based?
Harding University is headquartered in Searcy, United States, in the North America region.
How does Harding University make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are grants and Gifts, abundant Living Magazine Subscriptions and campus Projects and Endowments.
Who are Harding University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Abilene Christian University, Lipscomb University, Oklahoma Christian University, Lubbock Christian University, Freed-Hardeman University, Faulkner University and Wheaton College. Broad incumbents are Liberty University, Baylor University and Pepperdine University.
Does Harding University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Harding University.
What industry is Harding University in?
Harding University's product category is Christian Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHACAF, Religiously Affiliated Liberal Arts Colleges, with a secondary code of EDAAAEAA, University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.