Arkansas State University vs. University of Central Arkansas

Comparable Facts

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

Arkansas State University is larger than University of Central Arkansas based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 10,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting); University of Central Arkansas is in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting).
• Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas State University 17:1; University of Central Arkansas 15:1.

Arkansas State University vs. University of Central Arkansas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas State University or University of Central Arkansas? 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 University of Central Arkansas ($12,410 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 21.1% lower than at Arkansas State University ($9,110 vs. $11,550).
• University of Central Arkansas is 30.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $2,433 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.1% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at Arkansas State University (about $3,501 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas State University than at University of Central Arkansas (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas State University students is 50.5% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($13,395 vs. $8,901).

Arkansas State University vs. University of Central Arkansas Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas State University (1080) is 40 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 970/1190; University of Central Arkansas 910/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas State University 18/24; University of Central Arkansas 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas State University - Test optional; University of Central Arkansas - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Arkansas State University (3.66).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Arkansas State University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Arkansas State University vs. 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas.

Arkansas State University vs. University of Central Arkansas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Central Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $1,915 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($201 vs. $221).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.