University of Arkansas vs Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
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 and Oklahoma State University-Main Campus are closely matched on financial return. University of Arkansas scores 69/100 while Oklahoma State University-Main Campus scores 70/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus comes in at $17,447 per year (net price after aid) versus $18,209 at University of Arkansas - a difference of $762 annually, or roughly $3,048 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Arkansas graduates earn a median of $58,191 compared to $57,413 at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus. The payback period is 9.2 years at University of Arkansas versus 9.4 years at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus.
Graduates leave Oklahoma State University-Main Campus with a median $20,500 in debt versus $21,500 at University of Arkansas. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.53 and 0.48 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Arkansas | Oklahoma State University... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $10,104 | $10,234 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,966 | $25,754 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,209 | $17,447 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $72,836 | $69,788 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $40,900 | $42,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $58,191 | $57,413 |
| Graduation Rate | 70.5% | 68.2% |
| Payback Period | 9.2 yr | 9.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $20,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $217 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.53 | 0.48 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.0% | 74.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.8% | 71.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 74.3% | 75.0% |
| Enrollment | 28,677 | 21,773 |
| SAT Range | 1030-1220 | 1040-1250 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Arkans... | Oklahoma State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $14,319 | $12,243 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,322 | $12,314 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,934 | $15,893 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,772 | $21,896 |
| $110,001+ | $22,470 | $24,711 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Arkans... | Oklahoma State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $102,747 | $85,641 |
| Computer Engineering | $99,031 | $101,279 |
| Industrial Engineering | $98,765 | $94,692 |
| Chemical Engineering | $93,641 | $98,557 |
| Business Information Systems | $97,743 | $69,153 |
| Electrical Engineering | $97,516 | $96,447 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $84,464 | $89,436 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $87,717 | $81,340 |
| Civil Engineering | $79,929 | $86,890 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,911 | $82,326 |
| Accounting | $84,097 | $81,039 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $79,770 | $64,062 |
| Marketing | $73,153 | $62,716 |
| International Business | $71,486 | $66,385 |
| Architecture | $67,955 | $70,123 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Arkans... | Oklahoma State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 70 | 71 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 66 | 65 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 68 | 77 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 79 | 75 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 61 | 54 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 70 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Oklahoma State University-Main Campus edges out University of Arkansas by 1 points (70 vs 69), 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.
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University of Arkansas
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
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.