University of Central Arkansas vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Nelson University 15:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Nelson 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 University of Central Arkansas than Nelson University ($16,546 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 5.1% lower than at Nelson University ($9,110 vs. $9,598).
• Nelson University is 138.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $14,541 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.1% higher at Nelson University than at University of Central Arkansas (about $7,041 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at University of Central Arkansas (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nelson University students is 35.7% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($12,075 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Central Arkansas (1040) is 50 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Nelson University 890/1090.
• 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; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• University of Central Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Nelson 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 Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $4,835 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($21,415 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($221 vs. $271).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 50%)

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.