Arkansas State University vs. Cottey College

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR with Cottey College in Nevada, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than Cottey College based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 254 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); Cottey College is in Nevada, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cottey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; Cottey College 6:1.

Arkansas State University vs. Cottey College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or Cottey College? 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 Cottey College ($12,410 vs. $14,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cottey College are 2.7% lower than at Arkansas State University ($11,240 vs. $11,550).
• Cottey College is 240.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $19,472 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.8% higher at Cottey College than at Arkansas State University (about $13,040 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cottey College than at Arkansas State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cottey College students is 83.4% larger than aid received by Arkansas State University students ($24,565 vs. $13,395).

Arkansas State University vs. Cottey College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is the same as at Cottey College (1080).
• Incoming Arkansas State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Cottey College (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; Cottey College 1030/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; Cottey College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; Cottey College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Cottey College (3.39).
• Arkansas State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Cottey College (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 21.6% at Cottey College.

Arkansas State University vs. Cottey College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Arkansas State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Cottey College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,000 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cottey College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Arkansas State University graduates ($12,000 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, Cottey College graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arkansas State University graduates ($124 vs. $201).
• More Cottey College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.