University of Central Arkansas (UCA) vs Arkansas Tech University (ATU)
Nestled in the heart of Arkansas, University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and Arkansas Tech University (ATU) stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning, each offering unique educational experiences. UCA, located in Conway, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. ATU, situated in Russellville, is known for its strong engineering and nursing programs, attracting students seeking specialized degrees in these fields. While UCA's student body is more diverse, ATU has a slightly higher graduation rate. To help you make an informed decision about your academic journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two esteemed universities. Explore the data and discover which institution aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
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![]() Arkansas Tech University |
![]() University of Central Arkansas |
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Overview |
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Location | Russellville, Arkansas | Conway, Arkansas |
Campus setting | Town: Remote | 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 | 63.0% | 71.0% |
![]() |
No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 94.4% | 92.4% |
Application fees | $40 |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$45
|
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 | 6,218 | 6,057 |
Total number of admissions given out | 5,868 | 5,595 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,396 | 1,854 |
Yield rate | 23.8% | 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) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$27,125
Out of state:
$32,861
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In state:
$25,219
Out of state:
$32,089
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Average net price | $11,097 | $14,042 |
Tuition |
In state:
$5,736
Out of state:
$11,472
|
In state:
$6,870
Out of state:
$13,740
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,996
Meal plan:
$4,000
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Room/dormitory:
$4,326
Meal plan:
$3,570
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
94.0%
Average amount $8,425 |
92.0%
Average amount $7,693 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
43.0%
Average amount $6,090 |
51.0%
Average amount $5,106 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $8,627 |
5.0%
Average amount $10,426 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
8,901
Men 43.8% Women 56.2% |
8,244
Men 39.0% Women 61.0% |
Graduate students |
739
Men 36.3% Women 63.7% |
1,861
Men 26.6% Women 73.4% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | 6.2% | 7.9% |
International students | 2.2% | 3.8% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Remote | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 2,100 | 3,675 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Arkansas Texas Oklahoma Missouri Tennessee | 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 | 18:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 45.8% | 49.4% |
Dropout rate | 30.2% | 19.1% |
Transferred out | 22.2% | 29.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Homeland Security (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master'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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