Arkansas State University vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than CMU based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 14,488 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

Arkansas State University vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or CMU? 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 CMU ($12,410 vs. $17,575).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas State University are 8.1% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,550 vs. $12,564).
• Central Michigan University is 82.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $6,670 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at CMU than at Arkansas State University (about $238 more per year; $14,760.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas State University than at Central Michigan University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas State University students is 2.7% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($13,395 vs. $13,042).

Arkansas State University vs. CMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas State University or CMU? 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 CMU and Arkansas State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is the same as at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at CMU (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Arkansas State University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 11.3% at CMU.

Arkansas State University vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas State University and CMU? 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).

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More CMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.