UAPB vs. University of Central Arkansas

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, 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 UAPB based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 2,005 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is located in Pine Bluff, AR (Small City setting); University of Central Arkansas is in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting).
• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 12:1; University of Central Arkansas 15:1.

UAPB vs. University of Central Arkansas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UAPB 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 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff than University of Central Arkansas ($12,373 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 0.9% lower than at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ($9,110 vs. $9,194).
• University of Central Arkansas is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UAPB (about $1,111 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $9,412.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (about $31 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $17,992.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff than at University of Central Arkansas (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students is 22.3% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($10,883 vs. $8,901).

UAPB vs. University of Central Arkansas Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UAPB or University of Central Arkansas? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Central Arkansas and UAPB.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 60 points higher than at UAPB (980).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 16 at UAPB).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 845/1108; University of Central Arkansas 910/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 14/18; University of Central Arkansas 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UAPB - Required; University of Central Arkansas - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at UAPB (2.9).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than UAPB (41.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.1% at UAPB vs. 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas.

UAPB vs. University of Central Arkansas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UAPB and University of Central Arkansas? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of Central Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's (23%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than UAPB graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $30,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $5,333 lower median loan debt than UAPB graduates ($21,415 vs. $26,748).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UAPB graduates ($221 vs. $276).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UAPB students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 30%)

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.