University of Central Arkansas vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR with Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Northern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 7,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Central Arkansas vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University than University of Central Arkansas ($15,707 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 31.4% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($9,110 vs. $13,274).
• Northern Michigan University is 35.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $3,754 more per year; $14,277.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Northern Michigan University than at University of Central Arkansas (about $1,750 more per year; $19,773.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas than at Northern Michigan University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Michigan University students is 35% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($12,012 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Central Arkansas or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University and University of Central Arkansas.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Northern Michigan University (3.33).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Northern Michigan University (84%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Northern Michigan 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).

• Northern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than University of Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $877 lower median loan debt than Northern Michigan University graduates ($21,415 vs. $22,292).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Michigan University graduates ($221 vs. $230).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 56%)

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.