Arkansas & Jonesboro
Comparing Arkansas State University (A-State) with Other US Schools: Why A-State Is a Worthwhile Choice for Vietnamese Students
Studying in the US is an important and costly decision, so students and parents often want to compare multiple universities before choosing where to study.
The most common criteria usually include:
- Tuition
- Cost of living
- Quality of education
- Living environment
- Post-graduation employment rate
- Friendliness toward international students
When you put Arkansas State University (A-State) on the scale against many other US universities, A-State stands out for its reasonable cost, diverse scholarships, safe environment, high-quality education, and special support for international students — especially Vietnamese students.
Comparing the Cost of Study: A-State Excels in Affordability
1. Tuition at A-State
- $17,000 – $18,000/year for undergraduate programs
- $12,000 – $15,000/year for graduate programs
Compared to many other US schools, A-State's tuition is significantly lower:
| University | Average Tuition/Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A-State | $17,000 – $18,000 | Public university, reasonable cost |
| State universities in Texas, California, etc. | $22,000 – $30,000 | 20–40% higher than A-State |
| US private universities | $35,000 – $60,000 | Very high cost, less suitable for Vietnamese students |
In terms of cost, A-State is a top economical choice among quality public universities in the US.
Comparing Cost of Living: Arkansas Is Cheaper Than Many Large States
A-State is located in Jonesboro, Arkansas — one of the areas with the lowest cost of living in the US.
Comparing Average Annual Cost of Living
| State/City | Cost of Living | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (A-State) | $7,000 – $9,000/year | Very economical |
| California | $12,000 – $18,000 | Expensive, hard to save money |
| New York | $15,000 – $22,000 | Among the most expensive in the US |
| Massachusetts | $14,000 – $20,000 | High cost |
Vietnamese students can save $5,000 – $10,000/year by choosing A-State instead of larger states.
Comparing Quality of Education: A-State Is Among the Top Reputable Public Universities
A-State offers:
- Over 117 years of history (founded in 1909)
- Over 14,000 students from many countries
- High regional ranking according to U.S. News & World Report
- Over 150 programs at the bachelor's and master's levels
- Strong fields: Business, IT, Data Science, Engineering, Communications, Healthcare
Compared to many other US schools in the same cost range, A-State stands out thanks to:
- An experienced faculty network
- Modern facilities
- Programs closely tied to practical experience and the job market
- Many STEM programs (eligible for extended OPT)
Comparing Scholarship Opportunities: A-State Is More Accessible
At A-State:
- Scholarships of $2,000 – $8,000/year, automatically considered
- Flexible requirements (GPA of 7.0 or higher)
- High chances for Vietnamese students
At other schools:
- Many schools require very high GPAs (8.5–9.0)
- SAT/ACT scores are mandatory
- Scholarships are limited or highly competitive
- Little support with scholarship applications from the school
A-State is recognized as the public university with the most attainable scholarships among top regional schools.
Comparing Living Environment and Safety
International students always care about the safety and friendliness of their living environment.
A-State & Jonesboro:
- A safe, peaceful college town
- Friendly residents, easy to integrate
- Not overly crowded or stressful like large cities
- Pleasant weather, low transportation costs
Many large US cities:
- Higher crime rates
- Expensive housing costs
- Traffic and lifestyle pressures
- Harder to focus on studies due to many distractions
A-State offers an ideal environment for students living away from home for the first time.
Comparing Career Opportunities After Graduation
A-State has a post-graduation employment rate of over 90% thanks to:
- Internship programs (CPT)
- Support in applying for OPT (1–3 years of work authorization after graduation)
- A broad business network (FedEx, Walmart, Deloitte, Intel, and more)
- Career Services support for resume writing and interview practice
Many other mid-tier public universities lack strong Career Services or have fewer business connections — making it harder for students to find internship opportunities.
Comparing the Level of Support for International Students
A-State stands out for having an official representative office in Vietnam, something most US schools do not have.
A-State provides support with:
- Choosing a major
- Free application submission
- Scholarship applications
- Guidance on proof of finances
- Visa interview practice
- Enrollment support and travel to the US
- Ongoing support throughout your studies
This is a huge advantage for Vietnamese students — ensuring applications are accurate, up to date, and processed quickly.
When Should You Choose A-State Over Other US Schools?
You should choose A-State if:
✔ You want to study in the US at a reasonable cost
✔ You want easier access to scholarships
✔ You prioritize a safe environment focused on serious study
✔ You want a major in STEM or Business
✔ You want application support right in Vietnam
✔ You want good internship & job opportunities after graduation
A-State is a smart choice for Vietnamese students who want US quality, reasonable cost, and international experience.
📞 Contact A-State for Study Abroad Consulting in the US
👉 Register for consulting here
📧 Email: study@astate.edu.vn
🌐 Website: https://www.astate.edu.vn
This article was translated from Vietnamese and is being reviewed by our admissions team.
