Arkansas vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than Arkansas based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 33,610 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas 20:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Arkansas vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas or KSU? 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 Kennesaw State University than Arkansas ($15,636 vs. $18,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kennesaw State University are 6.7% lower than at University of Arkansas ($13,287 vs. $14,244).
• University of Arkansas is 74% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $4,296 more per year; $10,104.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69% higher at Arkansas than at Kennesaw State University (about $12,230 more per year; $29,966.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University than at University of Arkansas (92% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Arkansas students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($8,804 vs. $8,223).

Arkansas vs. KSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Arkansas (1130) is 20 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming Arkansas students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 22 at KSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Arkansas 21/28; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Arkansas students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at KSU (3.33).
• Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 38% at KSU.

Arkansas vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas and KSU? 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 Arkansas's six-year graduation rate is 59%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for KSU.
• Graduates from University of Arkansas have median earnings of about $50,400 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for KSU.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $300 lower median loan debt than Arkansas graduates ($21,200 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arkansas graduates ($219 vs. $222).
• More Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 53%)

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.