University of Central Arkansas vs. Friends University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Friends University based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 1,961 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Friends University is in Wichita, KS (Large City setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Friends University 12:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Friends University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Friends University? 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 Friends University ($16,546 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 19.3% lower than at Friends University ($9,110 vs. $11,295).
• Friends University is 224.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $23,669 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.7% higher at Friends University than at University of Central Arkansas (about $16,169 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Friends University than at University of Central Arkansas (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Friends University students is 142.4% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($21,579 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Friends University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 10 points higher than at Friends University (1030).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Friends University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Friends University 960/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Friends University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Friends University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Friends University (3.4).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Friends University (55.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 44.7% at Friends University.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Friends University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Friends University? 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 Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Friends University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $3,097 lower median loan debt than Friends University graduates ($21,415 vs. $24,512).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Friends University graduates ($221 vs. $253).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Friends University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 54%)

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.