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University of Arkansas vs Arkansas State University

University of Arkansas is a public university in Fayetteville, AR. Arkansas State University is a public university in Jonesboro, AR. University of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants and Arkansas State University about 82%, making University of Arkansas 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 $18,209 at University of Arkansas. About 70% of students graduate at University of Arkansas, compared with 55% at Arkansas State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Arkansas alumni earn a median of about $58,191, against $42,617 for Arkansas State University.

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University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fayetteville, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
28,677
9,110
Acceptance rate
74%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1220
970–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
18–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,209
$12,366
Full cost / yr
$27,767
$25,082
In-state tuition
$10,104
$8,090
Out-of-state tuition
$29,966
$14,522
Application fee
$40
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,319
$10,098
$30k - $48k
$14,322
$9,255
$48k - $75k
$15,934
$12,205
$75k - $110k
$20,772
$15,839
Over $110k
$22,470
$16,444
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
55%
Freshman retention
86%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,686
$38,944
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,191
$42,617
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
38%
First-generation students
26%
39%
International students
1%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
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 University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University harder to get into?
University of Arkansas is harder to get into. It admits about 74% 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, University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University?
Arkansas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,366 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,209 at University of 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 University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University?
Before aid, Arkansas State University costs about $25,082 a year and University of Arkansas about $27,767. 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, University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University?
Arkansas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,098 there, against about $14,319 at University of Arkansas. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University?
University of Arkansas is the larger of the two, with about 28,677 undergraduates against 9,110 at Arkansas State University.
Does University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Arkansas has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 55% at Arkansas State University.
Do graduates of University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University earn more?
University of Arkansas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,191 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,617 for Arkansas State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Arkansas considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Arkansas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1220 at University of Arkansas and 970–1190 at Arkansas State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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