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Arkansas State University vs Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Arkansas State University is a public university in Jonesboro, AR. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public university in Magnolia, AR. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants and Arkansas State University about 82%, making Southern Arkansas University Main Campus the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,366 a year at Arkansas State University after aid, and about $14,027 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. About 55% of students graduate at Arkansas State University, compared with 48% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Ten years after enrolling, Arkansas State University alumni earn a median of about $42,617, against $42,386 for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

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Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Jonesboro, AR
Magnolia, AR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
9,110
2,708
Acceptance rate
82%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1190
875–1105
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
17–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,366
$14,027
Full cost / yr
$25,082
$24,951
In-state tuition
$8,090
$9,960
Out-of-state tuition
$14,522
$15,690
Application fee
$30
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,098
$13,187
$30k - $48k
$9,255
$12,827
$48k - $75k
$12,205
$13,790
$75k - $110k
$15,839
$15,654
Over $110k
$16,444
$19,244
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
48%
Freshman retention
78%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,944
$37,008
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,617
$42,386
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
48%
First-generation students
39%
42%
International students
10%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Jan 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Arkansas State University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus harder to get into?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 82% at Arkansas State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Arkansas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,366 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,027 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Arkansas State University and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Before aid, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus costs about $24,951 a year and Arkansas State University about $25,082. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Arkansas State University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Arkansas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,098 there, against about $13,187 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Arkansas State University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Arkansas State University is the larger of the two, with about 9,110 undergraduates against 2,708 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Does Arkansas State University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Arkansas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 48% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Do graduates of Arkansas State University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earn more?
Arkansas State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $42,617 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,386 for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Arkansas State University and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Arkansas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Arkansas State University and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1190 at Arkansas State University and 875–1105 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school