UALR vs. Arkansas State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Arkansas at Little Rock in Little Rock, AR with Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than UALR based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 8,216 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock is located in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting); Arkansas State University is in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting).
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas at Little Rock 13:1; Arkansas State University 17:1.

UALR vs. Arkansas State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UALR or Arkansas State 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 University of Arkansas at Little Rock than Arkansas State University ($12,033 vs. $12,410).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Arkansas at Little Rock are 6.8% lower than at Arkansas State University ($10,760 vs. $11,550).
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $1,658 more per year; $9,748.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.6% higher at UALR than at Arkansas State University (about $7,636 more per year; $22,158.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas State University than at University of Arkansas at Little Rock (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas State University students is 21.6% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas at Little Rock students ($13,395 vs. $11,013).

UALR vs. Arkansas State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UALR or Arkansas State 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 Arkansas State University and UALR.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arkansas at Little Rock (1090) is 10 points higher than at Arkansas State University (1080).
• Incoming Arkansas State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at UALR).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas at Little Rock 960/1210; Arkansas State University 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas at Little Rock 17/24; Arkansas State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UALR - Required; Arkansas State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UALR Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas State University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at UALR (3.42).
• Arkansas State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than UALR (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.8% at UALR vs. 19.5% at Arkansas State University.

UALR vs. Arkansas State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UALR and Arkansas State 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 State University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than University of Arkansas at Little Rock's (21%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas at Little Rock earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,000 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than UALR graduates ($19,500 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UALR graduates ($201 vs. $211).
• More UALR graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.