University of Central Arkansas vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR with California State University Chico in Chico, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Chico is larger than University of Central Arkansas based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 10,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); California State University Chico is in Chico, CA (Small City setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; California State University Chico 23:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or CSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University Chico than University of Central Arkansas ($14,630 vs. $16,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 44.8% lower than at California State University Chico ($9,110 vs. $16,500).
• University of Central Arkansas is 24.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $2,051 more per year; $10,523.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.9% higher at CSU than at University of Central Arkansas (about $3,049 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Arkansas than at California State University Chico (95% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Chico students is 29.3% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($11,509 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Central Arkansas or CSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CSU and University of Central Arkansas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is 30 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Incoming University of Central Arkansas students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; California State University Chico 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25; California State University Chico 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; CSU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at CSU (3.37).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than University of Central Arkansas (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 10.2% at CSU.

University of Central Arkansas vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and CSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than University of Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $4,415 lower median loan debt than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($17,000 vs. $21,415).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Central Arkansas graduates ($175 vs. $221).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Central Arkansas students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.