ATU vs. University of Central Arkansas

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than ATU based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 8,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR (Remote Town setting); University of Central Arkansas is in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting).
• Arkansas Tech 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 Tech University 17:1; University of Central Arkansas 15:1.

ATU vs. University of Central Arkansas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ATU 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 Tech University than University of Central Arkansas ($12,626 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 11.9% lower than at Arkansas Tech University ($9,110 vs. $10,338).
• University of Central Arkansas is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ATU (about $1,849 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $8,674.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.9% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at Arkansas Tech University (about $3,355 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $14,668.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas than at Arkansas Tech University (95% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas Tech University students is 11.2% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($9,901 vs. $8,901).

ATU vs. University of Central Arkansas Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ATU 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 ATU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 50 points higher than at ATU (990).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at ATU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 880/1100; University of Central Arkansas 910/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arkansas Tech University 17/23; University of Central Arkansas 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ATU - Required; University of Central Arkansas - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at ATU (3.37).
• ATU has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than University of Central Arkansas (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.6% at ATU vs. 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas.

ATU vs. University of Central Arkansas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ATU 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).

• Arkansas Tech University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than University of Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than ATU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas Tech University graduates have a $3,665 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($17,750 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, ATU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($183 vs. $221).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ATU 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.