Alabama vs. Arkansas

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Arkansas based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 33,610 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); University of Arkansas is in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; University of Arkansas 20:1.

Alabama vs. Arkansas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or 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 University of Arkansas than Alabama ($18,408 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Arkansas are 5.1% lower than at The University of Alabama ($14,244 vs. $15,016).
• The University of Alabama is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas (about $2,076 more per year; $12,180.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14% higher at Alabama than at University of Arkansas (about $4,206 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $29,966.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Alabama than at University of Arkansas (80% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 98.8% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas students ($17,503 vs. $8,804).

Alabama vs. Arkansas Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or 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 Arkansas and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 160 points higher than at Arkansas (1130).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Arkansas).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; University of Arkansas 1030/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; University of Arkansas 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Arkansas - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Arkansas Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Arkansas (3.74).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Arkansas (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 29.2% at Arkansas.

Alabama vs. Arkansas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and 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).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than University of Arkansas's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $500 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Arkansas graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($222 vs. $245).
• More Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 59%)

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.