University of Central Arkansas (UCA) vs Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
Nestled in the heart of Arkansas, the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), located in the picturesque city of Richmond, Kentucky, stand as two distinct institutions of higher learning. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they offer unique experiences shaped by their distinct characteristics. UCA boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. EKU, on the other hand, offers a wider range of undergraduate programs, catering to diverse academic interests. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including their acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for a fulfilling and transformative higher education journey.
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![]() Eastern Kentucky University |
![]() University of Central Arkansas |
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Overview |
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Location | Richmond, Kentucky | Conway, Arkansas |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | 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 | 74.0% | 71.0% |
![]() |
No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 98.3% | 92.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$45
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SAT range | 950 - 1180 | 980 - 1160 |
ACT range | 18 - 24 | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 4.0% | 3.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 88.0% | 94.0% |
Total number of applicants | 7,251 | 6,057 |
Total number of admissions given out | 7,131 | 5,595 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,493 | 1,854 |
Yield rate | 35.0% | 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:
$23,762
Out of state:
$34,034
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In state:
$25,219
Out of state:
$32,089
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Average net price | $14,271 | $14,042 |
Tuition |
In state:
$9,452
Out of state:
$19,724
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In state:
$6,870
Out of state:
$13,740
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,416
Meal plan:
$3,994
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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) |
98.0%
Average amount $9,891 |
92.0%
Average amount $7,693 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
49.0%
Average amount $4,950 |
51.0%
Average amount $5,106 |
Students taking out private loans |
5.0%
Average amount $10,455 |
5.0%
Average amount $10,426 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
11,684
Men 40.6% Women 59.4% |
8,244
Men 39.0% Women 61.0% |
Graduate students |
2,300
Men 30.0% Women 70.0% |
1,861
Men 26.6% Women 73.4% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 7.9% |
International students | 1.1% | 3.8% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 4,479 | 3,675 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Ohio Illinois Indiana West Virginia | 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 | 15:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 47.8% | 49.4% |
Dropout rate | 48.5% | 19.1% |
Transferred out | 1.6% | 29.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other (Master's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (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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