Arkansas State University vs Troy University

Arkansas State University vs Troy University

Subject Strength & National Rankings (2025/2026)

In terms of subject strength, Arkansas State is strongest in Education, Health Professions, and Business, with moderate national ranking in Biology and Social Sciences. Troy University is academically strongest in Business, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Liberal Arts, with a particular focus on professional preparedness and diverse learning arrangements. Neither institution is ranked globally in QS or THE systems, but each is an important academic center in its home state.

General Information

Arkansas State University, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, maintains a student body of approximately 14,000, 8,760 of whom are undergraduates. It provides a traditional campus environment with an emphasis on teaching and applied research. Troy University, in Troy, Alabama, has a total enrollment of 13,923, but a larger percentage of undergraduate students, 10,468, and is renowned for offering flexible learning opportunities, such as online and military-related programs, and has several campuses in Alabama as well as internationally.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both universities have accessible admissions, with Troy University having a significantly high acceptance rate of 93%, whereas Arkansas State is more selective at approximately 72%. Average SAT scores are 950–1160 at Troy and 1030–1180 at Arkansas State, with ACT scores being 18–25 and 19–25, respectively. The two institutions are test-optional and focus on GPA and high school coursework in making their admissions decisions.

Research Impact & Facilities

Although neither is a prominent research institution, Arkansas State is a high research activity university, with emphases in biomedical sciences, environmental science, and education research. Troy University emphasizes applied research, with an emphasis on business, criminal justice, and public service. Both campuses provide state-of-the-art facilities, such as on-campus dorms, libraries, and student centers, although Arkansas State has a greater dorm capacity and more lab facilities.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both universities are relatively inexpensive public schools, particularly for residents.

Arkansas State: ~$7,176 in-state, ~$13,248 out-of-state tuition
Troy University: ~$9,792 in-state, ~$19,584 out-of-state tuition

Financial aid is more generous at Arkansas State, with 95% of students getting grants, versus 86% at Troy. Average net prices are comparable, at INR 10,80,000–11,20,000/year.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Graduation rates at both institutions are moderate:

Arkansas State: ~55% six-year graduation rate
Troy University: ~47%

Median salaries a decade after graduation are:

Arkansas State: ~$36,000 (? INR 30,00,000)
Troy University: ~$39,400 (? INR 32,40,000)

Both institutions have vibrant alumni networks in local business, education, law enforcement, and public administration. Troy's international military affiliations add to a varied alumni population.