University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) vs Arkansas State

Nestled in the heart of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Arkansas State University (ASU) stand as two distinct pillars of higher education, each offering unique opportunities for students to excel. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UAPB, a historically Black university, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a more diverse student body, while ASU, with its larger student population, offers a wider range of academic programs and a higher graduation rate. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the details and discover which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
Arkansas State University logo

Arkansas State University

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff logo

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Overview

Location Jonesboro, Arkansas Pine Bluff, 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 75.0% 63.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 63.3% 67.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $30
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $45
SAT range 1030 - 1200 810 - 1016
ACT range 20 - 26 14 - 18
Students submitting SAT score 2.0% 12.0%
Students submitting ACT score 89.0% 81.0%
Total number of applicants 5,835 4,699
Total number of admissions given out 3,693 3,173
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,301 677
Yield rate 35.2% 21.3%
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

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $23,703

Out of state: $29,271
In state: $19,012

Out of state: $25,882
Average net price $13,560 $11,053
Tuition
In state: $5,232

Out of state: $10,800
In state: $5,370

Out of state: $12,240
Room & board $9,640
Room/dormitory: $4,600

Meal plan: $4,024
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $11,264
99.0%
Average amount $10,877
Students receiving federal student loan 53.0%
Average amount $5,098
73.0%
Average amount $6,084
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $9,249
1.0%
Average amount $11,316

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 8,241
Men 37.9% Women 62.1%
2,484
Men 41.0% Women 59.0%
Graduate students 4,622
Men 29.6% Women 70.4%
186
Men 49.5% Women 50.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 13.4% 33.2%
International students 4.8% 1.7%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Small
Dormitory capacity 3,200 1,421
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Arkansas Missouri Tennessee Texas Florida Arkansas Illinois Texas Tennessee Missouri

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Liberal Arts
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 53.8% 40.8%
Dropout rate 17.1% 32.8%
Transferred out 26.7% 23.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $118,704
  • Year 2: $135,614
  • Year 3: $142,090
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,394
  • Year 2: $68,422
  • Year 3: $72,609
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,156
  • Year 2: $58,142
  • Year 3: $63,281
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,331
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $63,119
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $58,131
  • Year 3: $62,428
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,829
  • Year 2: $59,124
  • Year 3: $61,766
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,334
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $61,498
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,368
  • Year 2: $54,996
  • Year 3: $59,662
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,639
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $59,484
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $55,539
  • Year 2: $56,544
  • Year 3: $59,037
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,906
  • Year 2: $44,468
  • Year 3: $48,650
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,365
  • Year 2: $30,409
  • Year 3: $37,282
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,903
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: $32,312
Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,974
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: $32,106
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,246
  • Year 2: $29,141
  • Year 3: $31,564
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,630
  • Year 2: $27,204
  • Year 3: $28,042
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,479
  • Year 2: $22,892
  • Year 3: $27,492
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $24,035
  • Year 3: $27,352
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $24,324
  • Year 2: $26,187
  • Year 3: $24,950
Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,038
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Arkansas State University (ASU)?

    UAPB is a historically black university (HBCU) with a strong focus on serving African American students and communities. ASU is a larger, more comprehensive public university with a broader student body and a wider range of academic programs. UAPB emphasizes a close-knit community and personalized attention, while ASU offers a more diverse and expansive campus experience.

  • Which university is larger, UAPB or ASU?

    Arkansas State University is significantly larger than the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. ASU typically has a much higher enrollment, offering a wider range of resources and facilities due to its size.

  • What types of academic programs are offered at UAPB and ASU?

    Both universities offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. ASU has a broader selection, including programs in engineering, agriculture, and health sciences that may not be available at UAPB. UAPB excels in areas like agriculture, STEM, and liberal arts, with a particular emphasis on programs that address the needs of the African American community.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between UAPB and ASU?

    Tuition costs can vary depending on residency and specific program. Generally, UAPB may have slightly lower tuition rates, especially for in-state students. However, it's essential to check the most current tuition and fees on each university's official website for the most accurate information, as well as explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

  • What is campus life like at UAPB versus ASU?

    UAPB offers a close-knit, family-like atmosphere with a strong emphasis on tradition and community involvement, particularly within the African American community. ASU provides a more diverse and bustling campus environment with a wider array of student organizations, activities, and events due to its larger size. Both offer a range of extracurricular activities, but the scale and focus differ.

  • What are the athletic programs like at UAPB and ASU?

    Both UAPB and ASU have active athletic programs. ASU competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Sun Belt Conference, offering a wider range of sports and a higher level of competition. UAPB competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), with a strong emphasis on sports popular within the HBCU community.

  • What kind of student support services are available at each university?

    Both UAPB and ASU offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, counseling, and disability services. UAPB may offer more personalized support due to its smaller size, while ASU provides a wider range of specialized services and resources due to its larger scale.

  • How do the locations of UAPB and ASU differ, and how might that affect my college experience?

    UAPB is located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a smaller city with a strong sense of community. ASU is located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, a larger city with more diverse amenities and opportunities. The location of UAPB offers a more intimate and focused college experience, while ASU's location provides access to a broader range of cultural and recreational activities.

  • Which university is better for students interested in a historically black college experience?

    If you are specifically seeking a historically black college experience, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is the clear choice. As an HBCU, UAPB offers a unique cultural and academic environment that celebrates and supports African American students and traditions.

  • What are the graduation and retention rates like at UAPB and ASU?

    Graduation and retention rates can vary. It's best to consult the official websites of UAPB and ASU, as well as resources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), for the most up-to-date and accurate data on these metrics. These rates can provide insights into student success and support at each institution.