University of Central Arkansas vs. Blackburn College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Blackburn College is in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Blackburn College 11:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Blackburn College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Blackburn College? 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 Blackburn College ($16,546 vs. $18,460).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 8.1% lower than at Blackburn College ($9,110 vs. $9,915).
• Blackburn College is 167.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $17,626 more per year; $28,149.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.2% higher at Blackburn College than at University of Central Arkansas (about $10,126 more per year; $28,149.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College than at University of Central Arkansas (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Blackburn College students is 118.6% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($19,456 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Blackburn College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 30 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Blackburn College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Blackburn College 888/1125.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Blackburn College 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Blackburn College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 25.7% at Blackburn College.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Blackburn College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Blackburn College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than University of Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $400 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $4,585 lower median loan debt than Blackburn College graduates ($21,415 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Blackburn College graduates ($221 vs. $268).
• More Blackburn College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Central Arkansas students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.