Harding University vs Hendrix College: which has better ROI?
Hendrix College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $96,596 in 8 years versus 19.6 years at Harding University, on median earnings of $60,376 vs $52,876 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Harding University | Hendrix College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,130 | $24,149 |
| Total net cost | $88,520 | $96,596 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,876 | $60,376 |
| Median debt | $26,500 | $26,688 |
| Payback | 19.6 yrs | 8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $1,800 | $143,724 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Harding University or Hendrix College?
Harding University, at $22,130 a year after aid versus $24,149 — a gap of $2,019 a year, or $8,076 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Harding University or Hendrix College graduates earn more?
Hendrix College graduates report a median $60,376 ten years after entry, $7,500 more than the $52,876 at Harding University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Harding University or Hendrix College?
Harding University: its completers carry a median $26,500 in federal loans versus $26,688 at Hendrix College, a difference of $188. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at Hendrix College, against 69% at Harding University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.