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University of Arkansas vs Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

University of Arkansas is a public university in Fayetteville, AR, and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public university in Magnolia, AR. University of Arkansas is the more selective of the two, admitting about 74% of applicants against 75% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,027 a year against $18,209 at University of Arkansas. About 70% of students graduate at University of Arkansas, compared with 48% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Ten years after enrolling, University of Arkansas alumni earn a median of about $58,191, against $42,386 for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

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University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fayetteville, AR
Magnolia, AR
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
28,677
2,708
Acceptance rate
74%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1220
875–1105
ACT (middle 50%)
21–28
17–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,209
$14,027
Full cost / yr
$27,767
$24,951
In-state tuition
$10,104
$9,960
Out-of-state tuition
$29,966
$15,690
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,319
$13,187
$30k - $48k
$14,322
$12,827
$48k - $75k
$15,934
$13,790
$75k - $110k
$20,772
$15,654
Over $110k
$22,470
$19,244
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
48%
Freshman retention
86%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,686
$37,008
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,191
$42,386
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
48%
First-generation students
26%
42%
International students
1%
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 University of Arkansas or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus harder to get into?
University of Arkansas is harder to get into. It admits about 74% of applicants, compared with 75% 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.
Which is cheaper, University of Arkansas or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,027 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Before aid, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus costs about $24,951 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,187 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
University of Arkansas is the larger of the two, with about 28,677 undergraduates against 2,708 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Does University of Arkansas or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
University of Arkansas has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 48% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Do graduates of University of Arkansas or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earn more?
University of Arkansas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,191 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,386 for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Arkansas and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Arkansas considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Arkansas and Southern Arkansas University Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1220 at University of Arkansas 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