University of Central Arkansas vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 6,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Northeastern State University is in Tahlequah, OK (Remote Town setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Northeastern State University 16:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or NSU? 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 Northeastern State University than University of Central Arkansas ($12,410 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 18.1% lower than at Northeastern State University ($9,110 vs. $11,120).
• University of Central Arkansas is 34.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $2,713 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $7,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at Northeastern State University (about $733 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $17,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas than at Northeastern State University (95% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Central Arkansas students is 0.1% larger than aid received by Northeastern State University students ($8,901 vs. $8,893).

University of Central Arkansas vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 40 points higher than at NSU (1000).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Northeastern State University 866/1136.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Northeastern State University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at NSU (3.49).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (99.6%) than University of Central Arkansas (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 39% at NSU.

University of Central Arkansas vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and NSU? 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 Northeastern State University's (26%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $600 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern State University graduates have a $3,415 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($18,000 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($186 vs. $221).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 48%)

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.