Head-to-head · 2026
University of Arkansas vs University of Central Arkansas
Compare average net price ($18,209 at University of Arkansas; $16,511 at University of Central Arkansas), ROI score (7.99 vs 6.96), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($58,191 vs $45,938), and admissions selectivity (74.3% acceptance at University of Arkansas; 89.5% at University of Central Arkansas) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | University of Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.99 ✓ | 6.96 |
| Avg net price | $18,209 | $16,511 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $72,836 | $66,044 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $10,104 | $10,523 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,966 | $18,023 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $58,191 ✓ | $45,938 |
| Acceptance rate | 74.3% | 89.5% |
| Graduation rate | 70.5% ✓ | 53.5% |
| Retention rate | 86.4% ✓ | 73.3% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $20,346 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 28,677 | 7,762 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1169 | 1118 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | University of Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,319 ✓ | $14,656 |
| Family income $30–48k | $14,322 | $13,988 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,934 ✓ | $16,203 |
| Family income $75–110k | $20,772 | $20,318 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $22,470 | $20,157 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | University of Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 7.2% | 5.9% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 3.9% | 5.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 2.9% | 5.8% |
| Psychology, General | 2.9% | 5.5% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 1.9% | 5.7% |
| Marketing | 4.7% | 2.5% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 5% | 2% |
| Biology, General | 2.7% | 3.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Central Arkansas reports the lower average net price by $1,698 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $6,792 difference over four years ($66,044 vs $72,836).
University of Arkansas reports $12,253 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($58,191 vs $45,938). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 86.4% at University of Arkansas and 73.3% at University of Central Arkansas. Median federal debt among completers is $21,500 vs $20,346, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
University of Arkansas vs University of Central Arkansas, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Central Arkansas is cheaper — average net price $16,511 per year vs $18,209 at University of Arkansas. The annual difference of $1,698 adds up to about $6,792 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Arkansas reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $58,191 vs $45,938 at University of Central Arkansas. The gap in the federal data is $12,253. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Arkansas is more selective at 74.3% acceptance vs 89.5% at University of Central Arkansas.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.