Arkansas vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Arkansas is larger than WSU based on total student enrollment (33,610 students vs. 16,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); Wichita State University is in Wichita, KS (Large City setting).
• University of Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wichita State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas 20:1; Wichita State University 19:1.

Arkansas vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas or WSU? 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 Wichita State University than Arkansas ($14,228 vs. $18,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wichita State University are 12.8% lower than at University of Arkansas ($12,420 vs. $14,244).
• University of Arkansas is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $420 more per year; $10,104.00 vs. $9,684.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.8% higher at Arkansas than at Wichita State University (about $10,097 more per year; $29,966.00 vs. $19,869.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wichita State University than at University of Arkansas (89% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Arkansas students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Wichita State University students ($8,804 vs. $8,125).

Arkansas vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arkansas (1130) is 60 points higher than at WSU (1070).
• Incoming Arkansas students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; Wichita State University 905/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 21/28; Wichita State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at WSU (3.48).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Arkansas (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 20.1% at WSU.

Arkansas vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas and WSU? 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 Wichita State University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wichita State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Arkansas graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arkansas graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 55%)

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.