University of Central Arkansas vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than University of Central Arkansas based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 10,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than University of Central Arkansas ($13,473 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 26.2% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($9,110 vs. $12,341).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 26.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $2,811 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.2% higher at University of Central Arkansas than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $4,689 more per year; $18,023.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas as at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 52.9% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($13,610 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 10 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Southern Illinois 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than University of Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $1,085 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($21,415 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($221 vs. $232).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 51%)

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.