University of Central Arkansas vs. PSC

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR with Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Arkansas is larger than PSC based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 780 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Philander Smith University is in Little Rock, AR (Midsize City setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Philander Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Philander Smith University 11:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. PSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or PSC? 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 Philander Smith University than University of Central Arkansas ($14,082 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 8.9% lower than at Philander Smith University ($9,110 vs. $10,000).
• Philander Smith University is 23.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $2,491 more per year; $13,014.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.5% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at Philander Smith University (about $5,009 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $13,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Philander Smith University than at University of Central Arkansas (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Philander Smith University students is 60.5% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($14,283 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. PSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Central Arkansas or PSC? 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 PSC 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; PSC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at PSC (3.04).

University of Central Arkansas vs. PSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and PSC? 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 Philander Smith University's (31%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $14,000 more per year than PSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $26,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $9,585 lower median loan debt than PSC graduates ($21,415 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PSC graduates ($221 vs. $320).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PSC students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 35%)

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.