University of South Alabama vs. Arkansas State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL with Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Arkansas State University is larger than University of South Alabama based on total student enrollment (15,726 students vs. 14,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Arkansas State University is in Jonesboro, AR (Small City setting).
• University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Arkansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Alabama 19:1; Arkansas State University 17:1.

University of South Alabama vs. Arkansas State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama or Arkansas 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 Arkansas State University than University of South Alabama ($12,410 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 1.6% lower than at Arkansas State University ($11,366 vs. $11,550).
• University of South Alabama is 25% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas State University (about $2,026 more per year; $10,116.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.5% higher at University of South Alabama than at Arkansas State University (about $4,570 more per year; $19,092.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arkansas State University than at University of South Alabama (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arkansas State University students is 43.6% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($13,395 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Arkansas State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama or Arkansas 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 Arkansas State University and University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is the same as at Arkansas State University (1080).
• Incoming University of South Alabama students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Arkansas State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Arkansas State University 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Arkansas State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Arkansas State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Arkansas State University (3.66).
• Arkansas State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 19.5% at Arkansas State University.

University of South Alabama vs. Arkansas State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama and Arkansas 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).

• University of South Alabama's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Arkansas State University's (38%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Arkansas State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas State University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($201 vs. $253).
• More Arkansas State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 45%)

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.