University of Central Arkansas vs. LSUA

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR with Louisiana State University Alexandria in Alexandria, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Arkansas is larger than LSUA based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 6,815 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Louisiana State University Alexandria is in Alexandria, LA (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Louisiana State University Alexandria is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Louisiana State University Alexandria 33:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. LSUA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or LSUA? 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 Louisiana State University Alexandria than University of Central Arkansas ($8,296 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 5.1% lower than at Louisiana State University Alexandria ($9,110 vs. $9,598).
• University of Central Arkansas is 49.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSUA (about $3,473 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $7,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at Louisiana State University Alexandria (about $3,373 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $14,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas than at Louisiana State University Alexandria (95% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Central Arkansas students is 17.7% larger than aid received by Louisiana State University Alexandria students ($8,901 vs. $7,561).

University of Central Arkansas vs. LSUA Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University Alexandria (1100) is 60 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at LSUA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Louisiana State University Alexandria 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Louisiana State University Alexandria 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; LSUA - Required.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at LSUA (3.16).
• LSUA has a higher acceptance rate (92.1%) than University of Central Arkansas (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 66.6% at LSUA.

University of Central Arkansas vs. LSUA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and LSUA? 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 Louisiana State University Alexandria's (12%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than LSUA graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University Alexandria graduates have a $3,708 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($17,707 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, LSUA graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($183 vs. $221).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSUA students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 46%)

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.