University of North Texas 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
Good news if you're stuck between them: University of North Texas and University of Arkansas come out about even on financial return. University of North Texas scores 67/100 and University of Arkansas scores 69/100 - 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, University of North Texas runs $15,649 a year against $18,209 at University of Arkansas - $2,560 more a year, or about $10,240 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Arkansas graduates earn a median $58,191 against $57,010 at University of North Texas. The cost earns itself back in 9.2 years at University of North Texas and 9.2 years at University of Arkansas.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of North Texas owing a median $19,250 versus $21,500 at University of Arkansas. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 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 | University of North Texas | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,309 | $10,104 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,149 | $29,966 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,649 | $18,209 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $62,596 | $72,836 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,300 | $40,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,010 | $58,191 |
| Graduation Rate | 60.7% | 70.5% |
| Payback Period | 9.2 yr | 9.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,250 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $204 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.53 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 67.4% | 77.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 64.1% | 69.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 72.2% | 74.3% |
| Enrollment | 34,341 | 28,677 |
| SAT Range | 980-1230 | 1030-1220 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of North ... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,311 | $14,319 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,668 | $14,322 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,473 | $15,934 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,576 | $20,772 |
| $110,001+ | $22,943 | $22,470 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of North ... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $109,151 | $99,031 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $104,024 | $102,747 |
| Business Information Systems | $78,740 | $97,743 |
| Electrical Engineering | $95,294 | $97,516 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $88,484 | $75,972 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $78,629 | $88,067 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $77,061 | $87,717 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,257 | $84,464 |
| Accounting | $79,124 | $84,097 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,657 | $79,770 |
| Marketing | $66,673 | $73,153 |
| Business Administration and Management | $71,695 | $71,753 |
| Journalism | $57,461 | $66,087 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $57,753 | $65,780 |
| Mathematics | $62,465 | $63,861 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of North ... | University of Arkans... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 76 | 70 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 66 | 66 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 75 | 68 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 61 | 79 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 33 | 61 |
| Overall ROI Score | 67 | 69 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Arkansas edges out University of North Texas by 2 points (69 vs 67), 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.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of North Texas
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.