ATU vs. Friends University

Comparable Facts

Compare Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR with Friends University in Wichita, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas Tech University is larger than Friends University based on total student enrollment (8,746 students vs. 1,961 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR (Remote Town setting); Friends University is in Wichita, KS (Large City setting).
• Arkansas Tech University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas Tech University 17:1; Friends University 12:1.

ATU vs. Friends University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ATU or Friends University? 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 Tech University than Friends University ($12,626 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas Tech University are 8.5% lower than at Friends University ($10,338 vs. $11,295).
• Friends University is 294.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ATU (about $25,518 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $8,674.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.1% higher at Friends University than at Arkansas Tech University (about $19,524 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $14,668.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Friends University than at Arkansas Tech University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Friends University students is 117.9% larger than aid received by Arkansas Tech University students ($21,579 vs. $9,901).

ATU vs. Friends University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ATU or Friends University? 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 Friends University and ATU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Friends University (1030) is 40 points higher than at ATU (990).
• Incoming Friends University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at ATU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 880/1100; Friends University 960/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 17/23; Friends University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ATU - Required; Friends University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Friends University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at ATU (3.37).
• ATU has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Friends University (55.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.6% at ATU vs. 44.7% at Friends University.

ATU vs. Friends University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ATU and Friends University? 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).

• Arkansas Tech University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Friends University earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than ATU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas Tech University graduates have a $6,762 lower median loan debt than Friends University graduates ($17,750 vs. $24,512).
• Among borrowers, ATU graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Friends University graduates ($183 vs. $253).
• More Friends University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ATU 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.