University of Arkansas vs University of Arkansas at Little Rock
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 31/100, a 38-point edge over University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 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 at Little Rock runs $17,248 a year against $18,209 at University of Arkansas - $961 more a year, or about $3,844 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Arkansas graduates earn a median $58,191 against $45,265 at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The cost earns itself back in 9.2 years at University of Arkansas and 20.4 years at University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Arkansas owing a median $21,500 versus $22,000 at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.53 and 0.64 - 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 | University of Arkansas at... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $10,104 | $9,748 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,966 | $22,158 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,209 | $17,248 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $72,836 | $68,992 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $40,900 | $34,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $58,191 | $45,265 |
| Graduation Rate | 70.5% | 41.6% |
| Payback Period | 9.2 yr | 20.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $22,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $233 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.53 | 0.64 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.0% | 71.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.8% | 57.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 74.3% | 58.8% |
| Enrollment | 28,677 | 4,949 |
| SAT Range | 1030-1220 | 960-1210 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Arkans... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $14,319 | $15,195 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,322 | $16,250 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,934 | $19,018 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,772 | $21,087 |
| $110,001+ | $22,470 | $22,255 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Arkans... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $102,747 | $70,696 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,911 | $88,617 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $87,717 | $71,526 |
| Accounting | $84,097 | $70,007 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $79,770 | $51,384 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $62,592 | $40,107 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,969 | $46,743 |
| Biology | $54,497 | $48,606 |
| Teacher Education | $51,474 | $44,978 |
| History | $49,972 | $46,392 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,690 | $43,990 |
| Social Work | $49,458 | $49,594 |
| Psychology | $48,006 | $45,797 |
| English Language and Literature | $47,809 | $45,610 |
| Sociology | $43,290 | $42,390 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Arkans... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 70 | 28 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 66 | 26 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 68 | 43 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 79 | 24 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 61 | 43 |
| Overall ROI Score | 69 | 31 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Arkansas clearly outperforms University of Arkansas at Little Rock (69 vs 31), a 38-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless University of Arkansas at Little Rock brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Arkansas.
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University of Arkansas
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Poor 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.