Arkansas vs. Arkansas State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Arkansas is larger than Arkansas State University based on total student enrollment (33,610 students vs. 15,726 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); Arkansas State University is in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting).
• University of Arkansas 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 20:1; Arkansas State University 17:1.

Arkansas vs. Arkansas State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas 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 Arkansas State University than Arkansas ($12,410 vs. $18,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arkansas State University are 18.9% lower than at University of Arkansas ($11,550 vs. $14,244).
• University of Arkansas is 24.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $2,014 more per year; $10,104.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.3% higher at Arkansas than at Arkansas State University (about $15,444 more per year; $29,966.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas State University than at University of Arkansas (97% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas State University students is 52.1% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas students ($13,395 vs. $8,804).

Arkansas vs. Arkansas State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas 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 Arkansas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arkansas (1130) is 50 points higher than at Arkansas State University (1080).
• Incoming Arkansas students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; Arkansas State University 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 21/28; Arkansas State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; Arkansas State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Arkansas State University (3.66).
• Arkansas State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Arkansas (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 19.5% at Arkansas State University.

Arkansas vs. Arkansas State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas 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).

• University of Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Arkansas graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arkansas graduates ($201 vs. $222).
• More Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arkansas State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.