Henderson State University vs. ECU

Comparable Facts

Compare Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR with East Central University in Ada, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Central University is larger than Henderson State University based on total student enrollment (3,377 students vs. 2,055 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Henderson State University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); East Central University is in Ada, OK (Remote Town setting).
• Henderson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. East Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Henderson State University 14:1; East Central University 18:1.

Henderson State University vs. ECU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Henderson State University or ECU? 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 East Central University than Henderson State University ($8,565 vs. $20,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Central University are 14.8% lower than at Henderson State University ($8,516 vs. $10,000).
• Henderson State University is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $212 more per year; $8,244.00 vs. $8,032.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68% higher at ECU than at Henderson State University (about $7,222 more per year; $17,842.00 vs. $10,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Henderson State University than at East Central University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by East Central University students is 17.6% larger than aid received by Henderson State University students ($9,255 vs. $7,867).

Henderson State University vs. ECU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Henderson State University or ECU? 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 ECU and Henderson State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Central University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Henderson State University (990).
• Incoming ECU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Henderson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Henderson State University 903/1073; East Central University 900/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Henderson State University 16/21; East Central University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Henderson State University - Not reported; ECU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Henderson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ECU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Henderson State University (3.23).

Henderson State University vs. ECU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Henderson State University and ECU? 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).

• East Central University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Henderson State University's (31%).
• Graduates from East Central University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Henderson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Central University graduates have a $2,622 lower median loan debt than Henderson State University graduates ($16,878 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Henderson State University graduates ($174 vs. $201).
• More Henderson State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECU students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 45%)

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.