University of Central Arkansas vs. ECU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than ECU based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 3,377 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); East Central University is in Ada, OK (Remote Town setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. East Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; East Central University 18:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. ECU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or ECU? 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 East Central University than University of Central Arkansas ($8,565 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Central University are 6.5% lower than at University of Central Arkansas ($8,516 vs. $9,110).
• University of Central Arkansas is 31% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $2,491 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $8,032.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at East Central University (about $181 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $17,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas than at East Central University (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by East Central University students is 4% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($9,255 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. ECU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 30 points higher than at ECU (1010).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at ECU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; East Central University 900/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; East Central University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; ECU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at ECU (3.31).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than ECU (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 42.4% at ECU.

University of Central Arkansas vs. ECU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and ECU? 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 East Central University's (34%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $500 more per year than ECU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Central University graduates have a $4,537 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($16,878 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($174 vs. $221).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 45%)

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.