K-State vs University of Central Arkansas (UCA)
Kansas State University and University of Central Arkansas, while both offering quality education, present distinct characteristics that cater to different student preferences. Kansas State, located in Manhattan, Kansas, boasts a higher acceptance rate, allowing more students the opportunity to pursue their academic goals. In contrast, the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, maintains a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. Both universities offer diverse academic programs, with Kansas State excelling in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine, while Central Arkansas shines in business, education, and nursing. Explore the detailed comparison table to uncover further distinctions, including graduation rates, student demographics, and additional program offerings, to make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations and goals.
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![]() Kansas State University |
![]() University of Central Arkansas |
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Overview |
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Location | Manhattan, Kansas | Conway, Arkansas |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 86.0% | 71.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 95.6% | 92.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$65
|
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$45
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SAT range | N/A | 980 - 1160 |
ACT range | N/A | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 3.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 94.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 9,822 | 6,057 |
Total number of admissions given out | 9,391 | 5,595 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,848 | 1,854 |
Yield rate | 30.3% | 33.1% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$23,866
Out of state:
$39,937
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In state:
$25,219
Out of state:
$32,089
|
Average net price | $19,874 | $14,042 |
Tuition |
In state:
$9,489
Out of state:
$25,560
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In state:
$6,870
Out of state:
$13,740
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,200
Meal plan:
$4,900
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Room/dormitory:
$4,326
Meal plan:
$3,570
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
88.0%
Average amount $6,774 |
92.0%
Average amount $7,693 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
41.0%
Average amount $5,095 |
51.0%
Average amount $5,106 |
Students taking out private loans |
5.0%
Average amount $14,579 |
5.0%
Average amount $10,426 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
15,619
Men 50.3% Women 49.7% |
8,244
Men 39.0% Women 61.0% |
Graduate students |
4,610
Men 38.7% Women 61.3% |
1,861
Men 26.6% Women 73.4% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 21.8% | 7.9% |
International students | 5.4% | 3.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 5,696 | 3,675 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Kansas Missouri Texas Nebraska Colorado | Arkansas Texas Oklahoma Tennessee Alabama |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
|
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Students to faculty ratio | 19:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 68.4% | 49.4% |
Dropout rate | 9.3% | 19.1% |
Transferred out | 20.4% | 29.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Agricultural and Food Products Processing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Library Science, Other (Master's Degrees)
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
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