The University of Alabama vs University of Arkansas
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Arkansas comes out ahead: 69/100 to 64/100, a 5-point edge over The University of Alabama. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Arkansas runs $18,209 a year against $22,420 at The University of Alabama - $4,211 more a year, or about $16,844 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Alabama graduates earn a median $59,221 against $58,191 at University of Arkansas. The cost earns itself back in 9.5 years at The University of Alabama and 9.2 years at University of Arkansas.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Arkansas owing a median $21,500 versus $22,750 at The University of Alabama. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 and 0.53 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
It's close. University of Arkansas edges out The University of Alabama by 5 points (69 vs 64), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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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.