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University of Arkansas vs Arkansas State University

DNP programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Arkansas State University
$6,980 vs $12,160
Easier to get into
University of Arkansas
71.7% vs 69.7% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

University of Arkansas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Arkansas State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationFayetteville, ARJonesboro, AR
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate93.1%
Acceptance rate71.7%BEST69.7%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$12,160 in / $30,220 out$6,980 in / $12,416 outBEST
In-state tuition$12,160$6,980BEST
Out-of-state tuition$30,220$12,416BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationSCORECARD_BASELINESCORECARD_BASELINE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University?

Arkansas State University is the more affordable option at roughly $6,980, compared to $12,160. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University the same type of program?

Both are DNP programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.