ATU vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

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

Arkansas Tech University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (8,746 students vs. 5,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR (Remote Town setting); Midwestern State University is in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Arkansas Tech University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas Tech University 17:1; Midwestern State University 18:1.

ATU vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ATU or MSU? 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 Midwestern State University than ATU ($11,215 vs. $12,626).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas Tech University are 7.1% lower than at Midwestern State University ($10,338 vs. $11,124).
• Midwestern State University is 22% more expensive for in-state tuition than ATU (about $1,906 more per year; $10,580.00 vs. $8,674.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at ATU than at Midwestern State University (about $2,138 more per year; $14,668.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas Tech University than at Midwestern State University (93% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Midwestern State University students is 11.5% larger than aid received by Arkansas Tech University students ($11,037 vs. $9,901).

ATU vs. MSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Midwestern State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at ATU (990).
• Incoming ATU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 880/1100; Midwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 17/23; Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ATU - Required; MSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman ATU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at MSU (3.2).
• ATU has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than MSU (93.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.6% at ATU vs. 12.9% at MSU.

ATU vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ATU and MSU? 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 Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Midwestern State University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than ATU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas Tech University graduates have a $4,549 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($17,750 vs. $22,299).
• Among borrowers, ATU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($183 vs. $230).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ATU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.