University of Central Arkansas vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Murray State University based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 10,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Murray State University 17:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Murray State 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 Murray State University than University of Central Arkansas ($10,182 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 18% lower than at Murray State University ($9,110 vs. $11,112).
• University of Central Arkansas is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $623 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at Murray State University than at University of Central Arkansas (about $1,813 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at University of Central Arkansas (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 59.3% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($14,178 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Central Arkansas or Murray State 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 Murray State University and University of Central Arkansas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 20 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Murray State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Murray State University (3.57).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) 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 Murray State University 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 $85 lower median loan debt than Murray State University graduates ($21,415 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Murray State University graduates ($221 vs. $222).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.