U of K vs University of Arkansas (Uark)

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed institutions: the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UA). Both universities offer a wealth of opportunities, yet they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. UK, nestled in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. UA, situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas, stands out with its lower student-to-faculty ratio, fostering a more personalized learning experience. As you explore the comparison table below, delve into the details of each university's acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for a fulfilling and transformative college experience.

	University of Arkansas	University of Kentucky
Overview
Location	Fayetteville, Arkansas	Lexington, Kentucky
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
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	87.0%	86.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.7%	94.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1050 - 1220	1083 - 1330
ACT range	21 - 28	22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%	10.0%
Students submitting ACT score	78.0%	70.0%
Total number of applicants	21,462	21,695
Total number of admissions given out	17,743	20,396
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,065	4,721
Yield rate	34.2%	23.1%
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

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,978 Out of state: $43,794	In state: $31,690 Out of state: $50,688
Average net price	$15,218	$20,043
Tuition	In state: $7,666 Out of state: $24,482	In state: $11,247 Out of state: $30,245
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,744 Meal plan: $4,198	Room/dormitory: $9,650 Meal plan: $4,536
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	65.0% Average amount $8,362	92.0% Average amount $11,623
Students receiving federal student loan	38.0% Average amount $5,442	41.0% Average amount $5,177
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $16,058	9.0% Average amount $19,204

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,265 Men 44.1% Women 55.9%	21,900 Men 43.1% Women 56.9%
Graduate students	4,803 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%	8,490 Men 37.7% Women 62.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	56.6%	N/A
International students	4.1%	4.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,232	7,294
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arkansas Texas Missouri Oklahoma Kansas	Ohio Illinois Georgia Tennessee

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Education Health Professions Business Engineering Technologies	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.7%	68.2%
Dropout rate	28.4%	30.6%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,450 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $123,792 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,048 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $82,519 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,784 Year 2: $69,079 Year 3: $80,036 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,033 Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $78,844 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,024 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $75,031 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,436 Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $74,432 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,594 Year 2: $69,524 Year 3: $73,914 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,595 Year 2: $62,463 Year 3: $72,333 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,737 Year 2: $58,479 Year 3: $68,196 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,418 Year 2: $50,606 Year 3: $66,051	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $106,223 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $134,605 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $81,971 Year 2: $114,730 Year 3: $122,422 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,348 Year 2: $116,083 Year 3: $111,861 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $99,330 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $102,019 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,048 Year 2: $93,555 Year 3: $98,399 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $83,128 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,062 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $78,282 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,632 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $76,500 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,089 Year 2: $70,512 Year 3: $74,487 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,465 Year 2: $68,666 Year 3: $72,801

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UARK)?

The University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UARK) are both large public universities, but they differ in several key aspects. UK is located in Lexington, Kentucky, a city known for its horse farms and bourbon distilleries, while UARK is situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas, a city nestled in the Ozark Mountains. UK generally has a slightly higher overall academic ranking and a stronger emphasis on medical and health sciences, while UARK is known for its strong business, architecture, and agricultural programs. The cost of attendance can vary, but UARK often presents a more affordable option, especially for in-state students. Finally, the campus cultures differ, with UK having a more urban feel and UARK offering a more traditional college town experience.
Which university, UK or UARK, is more affordable?

Generally, the University of Arkansas (UARK) tends to be more affordable than the University of Kentucky (UK), especially for in-state students. Tuition and fees at UARK are typically lower than those at UK. However, the overall cost of attendance, including living expenses, can vary depending on your lifestyle and financial aid package. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition rates and to use their net price calculators to estimate your individual cost.
How do the academic reputations of UK and UARK compare?

Both the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UARK) are respected institutions, but UK generally holds a slightly higher overall academic ranking. UK is particularly strong in medical and health sciences, pharmacy, and law. UARK, on the other hand, is well-regarded for its business programs (especially supply chain management), architecture, and agricultural sciences. The best program for you will depend on your specific academic interests and career goals. Research the specific departments and faculty within your chosen field at both universities to make an informed decision.
What are the campus environments like at UK and UARK?

The University of Kentucky (UK) offers a more urban campus environment in Lexington, a larger city with a diverse population and a vibrant cultural scene. You'll find a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities. The University of Arkansas (UARK) provides a more traditional college town experience in Fayetteville, a smaller city surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. UARK's campus is known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces. Consider which type of environment best suits your personality and learning style.
Which university has better programs for pre-med students: UK or UARK?

The University of Kentucky (UK) generally has a stronger reputation for pre-med programs due to its established medical school and extensive research opportunities in health sciences. UK offers numerous resources and support services specifically tailored for students pursuing careers in medicine. While the University of Arkansas (UARK) also offers pre-med programs, UK's direct connection to a medical school provides a distinct advantage for students seeking research experience and clinical exposure.
How do the athletic programs at UK and UARK compare?

Both the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UARK) have strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball and football, respectively. UK is renowned for its men's basketball program, which has a long and storied history. UARK is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as is UK, and is known for its football program, as well as its track and field teams. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity sports and provide a vibrant athletic atmosphere for students and fans.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UK versus UARK?

Career opportunities after graduation from the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UARK) depend largely on your field of study. UK's location in Lexington provides access to opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. UARK's location in Northwest Arkansas offers strong connections to the retail, logistics, and food processing industries, particularly with companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt Transport Services headquartered nearby. Both universities have career services departments that can help you connect with employers and find internships and job opportunities.
What are the admission requirements for UK and UARK?

Admission requirements for both the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UARK) typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a strong academic record. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program you are applying to. It's best to check the official admissions websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on required coursework, minimum GPA, and test score ranges. Both universities also consider factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation in their admission decisions.
Do UK and UARK offer similar student support services?

Yes, both the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UARK) offer a wide range of student support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These services typically include academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability services, mental health services, and student health centers. Both universities also have active student organizations and clubs that provide opportunities for students to connect with others who share their interests.
Which university is better for international students, UK or UARK?

Both the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Arkansas (UARK) welcome international students and offer resources to support their transition to studying in the United States. Both universities have international student services offices that provide assistance with visa requirements, housing, and cultural adjustment. The best university for you will depend on your specific academic interests and personal preferences. Research the specific programs and support services offered by each university to determine which one best meets your needs.

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