University of Central Arkansas vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Bethel based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 2,936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Bethel University 15:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Bethel? 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 Bethel University than University of Central Arkansas ($13,112 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 13.6% lower than at Bethel University ($9,110 vs. $10,538).
• Bethel University is 77.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $8,189 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.8% higher at Bethel than at University of Central Arkansas (about $689 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at University of Central Arkansas (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 98.9% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($17,700 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 60 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Bethel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Bethel (3.6).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Bethel? 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 Central Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Bethel University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,700 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $6,835 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($21,415 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($221 vs. $292).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 33%)

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.