Skip to content

Arkansas State University vs University of Central Arkansas

Arkansas State University is a public university in Jonesboro, AR, and University of Central Arkansas is a public university in Conway, AR. Arkansas State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 82% of applicants against 89% at University of Central Arkansas. Arkansas State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,366 a year against $16,511 at University of Central Arkansas. About 55% of students graduate at Arkansas State University, compared with 53% at University of Central Arkansas. Ten years after enrolling, University of Central Arkansas alumni earn a median of about $45,938, against $42,617 for Arkansas State University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Jonesboro, AR
Conway, AR
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
9,110
7,762
Acceptance rate
82%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1190
910–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,366
$16,511
Full cost / yr
$25,082
$25,029
In-state tuition
$8,090
$10,523
Out-of-state tuition
$14,522
$18,023
Application fee
$30
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,098
$14,656
$30k - $48k
$9,255
$13,988
$48k - $75k
$12,205
$16,203
$75k - $110k
$15,839
$20,318
Over $110k
$16,444
$20,157
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
53%
Freshman retention
78%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,944
$36,670
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,617
$45,938
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$20,346
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
38%
First-generation students
39%
35%
International students
10%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 30

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 University of Central Arkansas harder to get into?
Arkansas State University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 89% at University of Central Arkansas. 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 University of Central Arkansas?
Arkansas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,366 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,511 at University of Central Arkansas. 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 University of Central Arkansas?
Before aid, University of Central Arkansas costs about $25,029 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 University of Central Arkansas?
Arkansas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,098 there, against about $14,656 at University of Central Arkansas. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Arkansas State University or University of Central Arkansas?
Arkansas State University is the larger of the two, with about 9,110 undergraduates against 7,762 at University of Central Arkansas.
Does Arkansas State University or University of Central Arkansas have a better graduation rate?
Arkansas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 53% at University of Central Arkansas.
Do graduates of Arkansas State University or University of Central Arkansas earn more?
University of Central Arkansas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,938 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,617 for Arkansas State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Arkansas State University and University of Central Arkansas require SAT or ACT scores?
Arkansas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Central Arkansas is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Arkansas State University and University of Central Arkansas look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1190 at Arkansas State University and 910–1170 at University of Central Arkansas. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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