Arkansas vs. University of Central Arkansas

Comparable Facts

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

University of Arkansas is larger than University of Central Arkansas based on total student enrollment (33,610 students vs. 10,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); University of Central Arkansas is in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting).
• University of Arkansas 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 20:1; University of Central Arkansas 15:1.

Arkansas vs. University of Central Arkansas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas 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 Central Arkansas than Arkansas ($16,546 vs. $18,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 36% lower than at University of Arkansas ($9,110 vs. $14,244).
• University of Central Arkansas is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas (about $419 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.3% higher at Arkansas than at University of Central Arkansas (about $11,943 more per year; $29,966.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas than at University of Arkansas (95% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Central Arkansas students is 1.1% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas students ($8,901 vs. $8,804).

Arkansas vs. University of Central Arkansas Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arkansas or University of Central 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 University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arkansas (1130) is 90 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming Arkansas students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at University of Central Arkansas).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; University of Central Arkansas 910/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 21/28; University of Central Arkansas 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; University of Central Arkansas - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at University of Central Arkansas (3.7).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Arkansas (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas.

Arkansas vs. University of Central Arkansas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas and University of Central 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).

• University of Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than University of Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $85 lower median loan debt than Arkansas graduates ($21,415 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arkansas graduates ($221 vs. $222).
• More Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Central Arkansas students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 57%)

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.