University of Central Arkansas vs. Tarleton

Comparable Facts

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

Tarleton State University is larger than University of Central Arkansas based on total student enrollment (17,433 students vs. 10,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Tarleton State University is in Stephenville, TX (Remote Town setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tarleton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Tarleton State University 20:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Tarleton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University than University of Central Arkansas ($16,159 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 16.6% lower than at Tarleton State University ($9,110 vs. $10,920).
• University of Central Arkansas is 26.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tarleton (about $2,221 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $8,302.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at Tarleton than at University of Central Arkansas (about $119 more per year; $18,142.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas than at Tarleton State University (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Central Arkansas students is 12.3% larger than aid received by Tarleton State University students ($8,901 vs. $7,929).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Tarleton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tarleton State University (1070) is 30 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Tarleton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Tarleton State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; Tarleton State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Tarleton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tarleton Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Tarleton (3.21).
• Tarleton has a higher acceptance rate (89.6%) than University of Central Arkansas (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 24.3% at Tarleton.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Tarleton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Tarleton? 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 Tarleton State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Tarleton State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,500 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tarleton State University graduates have a $1,665 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($19,750 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, Tarleton graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($204 vs. $221).
• More University of Central Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tarleton students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 56%)

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.