University of Central Arkansas vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Saginaw Valley 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 Saginaw Valley State University than University of Central Arkansas ($11,546 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 26.2% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($9,110 vs. $12,340).
• Saginaw Valley State University is 22.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $2,407 more per year; $12,930.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at University of Central Arkansas (about $12,427 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University than at University of Central Arkansas (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students is 51.8% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($13,512 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saginaw Valley State University (1050) is 10 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 Saginaw Valley State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Saginaw Valley State University (3.48).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Saginaw Valley 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).

• University of Central Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Saginaw Valley State University earn a median of about $200 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $5,585 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($21,415 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($221 vs. $279).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University 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.