Head-to-head · 2026
University of Central Arkansas vs University of the Ozarks
Compare average net price ($16,511 at University of Central Arkansas; $17,360 at University of the Ozarks), ROI score (6.96 vs 6.39), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($45,938 vs $44,384), and admissions selectivity (89.5% acceptance at University of Central Arkansas; 59.5% at University of the Ozarks) 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 Central Arkansas | University of the Ozarks |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.96 ✓ | 6.39 |
| Avg net price | $16,511 ✓ | $17,360 |
| 4-year avg net price | $66,044 ✓ | $69,440 |
| In-state tuition | $10,523 | $25,950 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,023 | $25,950 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $45,938 ✓ | $44,384 |
| Acceptance rate | 89.5% | 59.5% |
| Graduation rate | 53.5% ✓ | 51.5% |
| Retention rate | 73.3% ✓ | 68.6% |
| Median debt | $20,346 ✓ | $20,875 |
| Enrollment | 7,762 | 767 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1118 | 1105 |
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 Central Arkansas | University of the Ozarks |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,656 ✓ | $14,664 |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,988 ✓ | $14,551 |
| Family income $48–75k | $16,203 ✓ | $19,291 |
| Family income $75–110k | $20,318 | $18,632 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $20,157 ✓ | $22,836 |
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 Central Arkansas | University of the Ozarks |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.9% | 28.1% |
| Psychology, General | 5.5% | 10% |
| Biology, General | 3.9% | 6.5% |
| Political Science and Government | 1.2% | 9.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 5.8% | 3% |
| Mathematics | 0.8% | 5.2% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 0.5% | 5.2% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 2.5% | 3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Central Arkansas reports the lower average net price by $849 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $3,396 difference over four years ($66,044 vs $69,440).
University of Central Arkansas reports $1,554 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($45,938 vs $44,384). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 73.3% at University of Central Arkansas and 68.6% at University of the Ozarks. Median federal debt among completers is $20,346 vs $20,875, 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 Central Arkansas vs University of the Ozarks, 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 $17,360 at University of the Ozarks. The annual difference of $849 adds up to about $3,396 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Central Arkansas reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $45,938 vs $44,384 at University of the Ozarks. The gap in the federal data is $1,554. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of the Ozarks is more selective at 59.5% 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.