ATU vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

Arkansas Tech University is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (8,746 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR (Remote Town setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Arkansas Tech University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arkansas Tech University 17:1; Nelson University 15:1.

ATU vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ATU or Nelson 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 Nelson University ($12,626 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 7.2% lower than at Arkansas Tech University ($9,598 vs. $10,338).
• Nelson University is 189% more expensive for in-state tuition than ATU (about $16,390 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $8,674.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.9% higher at Nelson University than at Arkansas Tech University (about $10,396 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $14,668.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at Arkansas Tech University (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nelson University students is 22% larger than aid received by Arkansas Tech University students ($12,075 vs. $9,901).

ATU vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arkansas Tech University (990) is the same as at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 880/1100; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ATU - Required; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman ATU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• ATU has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.6% at ATU vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

ATU vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ATU and Nelson 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 Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Arkansas Tech University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas Tech University graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($17,750 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, ATU graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($183 vs. $271).
• More ATU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 50%)

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.