University of Central Arkansas vs. Cottey College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Cottey College based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 254 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Cottey College is in Nevada, MO (Remote Town setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cottey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Cottey College 6:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Cottey College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Cottey 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 Cottey College than University of Central Arkansas ($14,704 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 19% lower than at Cottey College ($9,110 vs. $11,240).
• Cottey College is 161.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $17,039 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.9% higher at Cottey College than at University of Central Arkansas (about $9,539 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cottey College than at University of Central Arkansas (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cottey College students is 176% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($24,565 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Cottey College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cottey College (1080) is 40 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Cottey College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Cottey College 1030/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Cottey College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Cottey College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Cottey College (3.39).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Cottey College (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 21.6% at Cottey College.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Cottey College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Cottey College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cottey College graduates have a $9,415 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($12,000 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, Cottey College graduates have an estimated $97 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($124 vs. $221).
• More Cottey College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Central Arkansas students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.