University of Arkansas vs Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University-Main Campus come out about even on financial return. University of Arkansas scores 69/100 and Oklahoma State University-Main Campus scores 70/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus runs $17,447 a year against $18,209 at University of Arkansas - $762 more a year, or about $3,048 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Arkansas graduates earn a median $58,191 against $57,413 at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 9.2 years at University of Arkansas and 9.4 years at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Oklahoma State University-Main Campus owing a median $20,500 versus $21,500 at University of Arkansas. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.53 and 0.48 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.