University of Central Arkansas vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Central Arkansas is larger than Salem State University based on total student enrollment (10,112 students vs. 6,230 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, AR (Distant Town setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Central Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Arkansas 15:1; Salem State University 12:1.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Central Arkansas or Salem State University? 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 University of Central Arkansas than Salem State University ($16,546 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Arkansas are 45.9% lower than at Salem State University ($9,110 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 17.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Central Arkansas (about $1,815 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $10,523.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.4% higher at Salem State University than at University of Central Arkansas (about $1,508 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $18,023.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at University of Central Arkansas (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 15.9% larger than aid received by University of Central Arkansas students ($10,319 vs. $8,901).

University of Central Arkansas vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Central Arkansas or Salem State University? 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 Salem State University and University of Central Arkansas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 40 points higher than at University of Central Arkansas (1040).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 910/1170; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Arkansas 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Central Arkansas - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Central Arkansas students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than University of Central Arkansas (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.6% at University of Central Arkansas vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

University of Central Arkansas vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Central Arkansas and Salem State University? 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than University of Central Arkansas's (40%).
• Graduates from Salem State University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than University of Central Arkansas graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have a $2,585 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($21,415 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Central Arkansas graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($221 vs. $248).
• More Salem State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Central Arkansas students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.