Information for International Students
General Information:
Harding University is located in Searcy, Ark., a community with an approximate population of 20,000. The University is a Christian, private, coeducational liberal arts university affiliated with the church of Christ with an enrollment of more than 6,100 students. These students come from all over the United States and more than 40 foreign countries. As a private institution, Harding University is governed by a board of trustees and is operated by administrative officers and more than 275 faculty members.
Academic Information:
Ten undergraduate degrees are offered. They are listed on the Majors page.
The undergraduate degree programs normally require four years to complete, depending upon the student's class load each semester. The work can be completed in about three years by attending summer sessions also.
College Calendar:
The school year consists of two semesters (about 4 1/2 months each), with the first semester beginning late in August and the second in January. Most students attend only these two semesters; however, the summer sessions begin in June and enable some students to acquire additional credit equivalent to about two-thirds of the coursework of a regular semester.
Cost:
The cost for a two-semester period (nine months) - including tuition, fees, room, board, supplies, and personal expenses - is approximately $17,939. About $3,500 in additional funds are necessary for a student who attends the summer sessions.
Financial Aid:
Although Federal financial aid is not available, some foreign students may be eligible for private loans. Also, international students may be eligible for scholarship assistance up to 1/4 tuition. However, certain restrictions do apply. Harding University cannot guarantee part-time employment during the regular semesters, nor during the summer months. In no case will a student be able to receive financial assistance from the university which will exceed actual tuition costs. Funds for room, board, books, clothing and miscellaneous expenses must come from some other source.
Admission Procedure:
To gain admission, a student must file an International Student Application for Admission along with a $100 non-refundable application fee to cover the cost of postage and other processing. Also, copies of all academic credentials must be submitted, including scores earned on the IELTS or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Three letters of recommendation must be submitted. Each person should represent one of these three areas:
- Academic: teacher, counselor, principal
- Character: minister, family friend, employer
- Financial: bank statement, letter from bank or financial sponsor
Advance Deposit:
Each student must file a $1,000 deposit which will cover the cost of health insurance for the student. The remainder of the deposit will be used to help pay the cost of tuition. Upon receipt of these deposits and the other admissions items, the student's credentials will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee. If the student is accepted for admission, an I-20 Form will be issued, which will enable the student to obtain a student visa. The enrollment deposit is refundable if they cannot attend for any reason. Students will not be accepted without the deposit.
Payments:
Students must pay the balance of their first semester at registration. After the first semester, the student must make a down payment of at least $2,500. The balance of the educational expense may be met in monthly payments in accordance with a schedule set up with the University Business Office.
A Final Note:
Harding University has many exciting opportunities for international students, and they will find a warm welcome awaiting them. They are expected to enter fully into campus life and become an integral part of the university community.
All correspondence and inquiries should be addressed to:
Stacey Vaughn
Assistant director of Admissions
Box 12255
Harding University
Searcy, AR 72149-2255 (USA)
