University of Central Arkansas vs. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR with Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 4,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Central Arkansas vs. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus? 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than University of Central Arkansas ($13,442 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are 13.2% lower than at University of Central Arkansas ($7,911 vs. $9,110).
• University of Central Arkansas is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $563 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $9,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $2,333 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $15,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at University of Central Arkansas (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students is 29.8% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($11,552 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 50 points higher than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (990).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 875/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Southern Arkansas University Main Campus - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (3.46).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 34.8% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus? 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's (34%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have a $4,395 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($17,020 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($175 vs. $221).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 44%)

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.