University of Arkansas vs Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
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, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College comes out ahead: 76/100 to 69/100, a 7-point edge over University of Arkansas. 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 $19,151 at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - $942 more a year, or about $3,768 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College graduates earn a median $61,251 against $58,191 at University of Arkansas. The cost earns itself back in 9.2 years at University of Arkansas and 8.3 years at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College owing a median $20,500 versus $21,500 at University of Arkansas. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.53 and 0.46 - 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 | University of Arkansas | Louisiana State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $10,104 | $11,954 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,966 | $28,631 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,209 | $19,151 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $72,836 | $76,604 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $40,900 | $45,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $58,191 | $61,251 |
| Graduation Rate | 70.5% | 68.8% |
| Payback Period | 9.2 yr | 8.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $20,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $217 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.53 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.0% | 81.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.8% | 74.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 74.3% | 73.3% |
| Enrollment | 28,677 | 30,594 |
| SAT Range | 1030-1220 | 1180-1340 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Arkans... | Louisiana State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $14,319 | $13,056 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,322 | $15,696 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,934 | $20,223 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,772 | $23,878 |
| $110,001+ | $22,470 | $26,489 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Arkans... | Louisiana State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | $93,641 | $114,226 |
| Computer Engineering | $99,031 | $106,897 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $84,464 | $99,975 |
| Industrial Engineering | $98,765 | $94,748 |
| Business Information Systems | $97,743 | $81,799 |
| Electrical Engineering | $97,516 | $97,208 |
| Computer Science | $95,642 | $89,307 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $87,717 | $95,302 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $88,067 | $80,498 |
| Civil Engineering | $79,929 | $85,627 |
| Accounting | $84,097 | $82,617 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $79,770 | $64,590 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $75,972 | $44,717 |
| Marketing | $73,153 | $60,408 |
| International Business | $71,486 | $65,326 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Arkans... | Louisiana State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 70 | 75 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 66 | 73 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 68 | 81 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 79 | 77 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 61 | 75 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 76 |
The Verdict
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College has the clearly stronger ROI here (76 vs 69) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if University of Arkansas is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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University of Arkansas
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Strong 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.