The University of Alabama vs University of Arkansas
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of Arkansas holds a 5-point ROI advantage over The University of Alabama, scoring 69/100 versus 64/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of Arkansas comes in at $18,209 per year (net price after aid) versus $22,420 at The University of Alabama - a difference of $4,211 annually, or roughly $16,844 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Alabama graduates earn a median of $59,221 compared to $58,191 at University of Arkansas. The payback period is 9.5 years at The University of Alabama versus 9.2 years at University of Arkansas.
Graduates leave University of Arkansas with a median $21,500 in debt versus $22,750 at The University of Alabama. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 and 0.53 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | The University of Alabama | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,180 | $10,104 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,172 | $29,966 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,420 | $18,209 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,680 | $72,836 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,400 | $40,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,221 | $58,191 |
| Graduation Rate | 73.4% | 70.5% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 9.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,750 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $241 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.54 | 0.53 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 71.2% | 77.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 63.6% | 69.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 76.6% | 74.3% |
| Enrollment | 33,227 | 28,677 |
| SAT Range | 1170-1400 | 1030-1220 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | The University of Al... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $19,169 | $14,319 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $19,884 | $14,322 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $22,258 | $15,934 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $25,658 | $20,772 |
| $110,001+ | $26,729 | $22,470 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | The University of Al... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $115,980 | $102,747 |
| Chemical Engineering | $100,857 | $93,641 |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,943 | $97,516 |
| Business Information Systems | $86,114 | $97,743 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $95,079 | $84,464 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $79,811 | $88,067 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $85,020 | $87,717 |
| Civil Engineering | $87,685 | $79,929 |
| Accounting | $87,621 | $84,097 |
| Registered Nursing | $85,532 | $84,911 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,715 | $79,770 |
| Mathematics | $77,899 | $63,861 |
| Marketing | $77,451 | $73,153 |
| Public Health | $51,588 | $67,891 |
| Journalism | $55,043 | $66,087 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Al... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 59 | 70 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 66 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 66 | 68 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 83 | 79 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 43 | 61 |
| Overall ROI Score | 64 | 69 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Arkansas edges out The University of Alabama by 5 points (69 vs 64), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
The University of Alabama
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Arkansas
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.