Arkansas State University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with California State University Chico in Chico, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 15,257 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); California State University Chico is in Chico, CA (Small City setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; California State University Chico 23:1.

Arkansas State University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or CSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Arkansas State University than CSU ($12,410 vs. $14,630).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas State University are 30% lower than at California State University Chico ($11,550 vs. $16,500).
• California State University Chico is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $382 more per year; $8,472.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.1% higher at CSU than at Arkansas State University (about $6,550 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas State University than at California State University Chico (97% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas State University students is 16.4% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($13,395 vs. $11,509).

Arkansas State University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas State University or CSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CSU and Arkansas State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is 10 points higher than at CSU (1070).
• Incoming Arkansas State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at CSU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; California State University Chico 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; California State University Chico 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; CSU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at CSU (3.37).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Arkansas State University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 10.2% at CSU.

Arkansas State University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas State University and CSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Arkansas State University graduates ($17,000 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arkansas State University graduates ($175 vs. $201).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.