Arkansas State University vs University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences CRNA program
A side-by-side comparison of two nurse anesthesia programs: cost, acceptance rate, NCE pass rate, attrition, clinical cases and admission requirements.
Key differences
- Higher NCE pass rate: Arkansas State University (83% vs 65%).
- Lower attrition: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (0% vs 6.9%).
- Lower total cost: Arkansas State University, by about $43,076.
- Easier to get into (acceptance rate): University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (27% vs 20%).
On our overall Everything CRNA Score, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences comes out ahead (43 vs 41). The best fit still depends on where you want to live, the format you prefer and the cost of living.
Everything CRNA Score (out of 100)
First-time NCE pass rate
Attrition
Acceptance rate
Total tuition and fees (in-state)
Seats per class
Completed applications
✓ marks the better figure where higher or lower is clearly better.
| Arkansas State University | University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | State University, AR | Little Rock, AR |
| Everything CRNA Score | 41 | 43 |
| Admission Odds Index | 44 | 74 |
| Degree | DNP | DNP |
| Format | Front-loaded | Front-loaded |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| Next start | June 2027 | August 2027 |
| Deadline | September 15, 2026, then rolling while seats remain | September 15, 2026 |
| Total cost | $61,660 | $104,736 |
| Out-of-state total | - | $158,736 |
| Acceptance rate | 20% | 27% |
| Class size | 32 | 16 |
| NCE pass rate | 83% | 65% |
| Attrition | 6.9% | 0% |
| Employment (6 months) | 100% | 100% |
| Average clinical cases | - | - |
| Clinical sites | - | 13 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| GRE | Required (min. 300) | Not required |
| CCRN | Required | Recommended |
| Shadowing | Not required | Not required |
| NICU accepted | Varies | Varies |
| PICU accepted | Varies | Varies |
| BSN required | Yes | Yes |
| NursingCAS | Yes | Yes |
| Application fee | $115 | $235 |
| US News rank (2024) | #99 | #80 |
Want to compare different programs? Use the comparison tool, or see all programs in Arkansas.
Data: Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026), compiled from program websites and admissions offices. "-" means not published.