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Southern Arkansas University Main Campus and Arkansas State University are both public institutions — Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, AR and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Magnolia, AR · Public
Acceptance rate: 75.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,708
Tuition: $15,690/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 48.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Magnolia, AR with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
Jonesboro, AR · Public
Acceptance rate: 82.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 9,110
Tuition: $14,522/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 55.4%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Jonesboro, AR with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Arkansas State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 75.3% | 82.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 875–1105 |
| 970–1190 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 17–24 | 18–24 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,708 | 9,110 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $15,690/year | $14,522/year |
| Average net price after aid | $14,027 | $12,366 |
| Graduation rate | 48.8% | 55.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $42,386 | $42,617 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Magnolia, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Education, Health professions | Health professions, Business and marketing, Psychology |
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is more selective (75.3% vs 82.3% acceptance rate). Arkansas State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($12,366 vs $14,027). Arkansas State University reports the higher graduation rate (55.4% vs 48.8%). Arkansas State University is the larger undergraduate campus (9,110 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Southern Arkansas University Main Campus and Arkansas State University
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75.3%; Arkansas State University is around 82.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus tuition is $15,690/year. Arkansas State University is $14,522/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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