University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas · Public · 74.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 69/100 · Fair Value
University of Arkansas
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,104/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $29,966/yr |
| Average net price | $18,209/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $72,836 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,191 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $40,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 70.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 28,677 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,319 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,322 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,934 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,772 |
| $110,001+ | $22,470 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Arkansas with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $79,770 | B |
| Marketing | $73,153 | B |
| Finance and Financial Management | $87,717 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $84,911 | B+ |
| Psychology | $48,006 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,969 | C+ |
| Biology | $54,497 | D |
| Accounting | $84,097 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $58,619 | D |
| International Relations | $60,441 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Arkansas is $10,104/year ($29,966/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $18,209/year, or roughly $72,836 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,319/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,470/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $58,191 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.53 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 74.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 77.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 69.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 71.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 74.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 510-600 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 520-620 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-28 |
| Enrollment | 28,677 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 17.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,657 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas (this school) | 69 | $18,209 | $58,191 |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | 76 | $19,151 | $61,251 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | 70 | $17,447 | $57,413 |
| University of North Texas | 67 | $15,649 | $57,010 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 31 | $17,248 | $45,265 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | 10 | $12,653 | $35,550 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Arkansas offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $18,209 per year leads to $72,836 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $58,191 a decade out. The payback period of 9.2 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 70.5% graduation rate.
Median debt of $21,500 against $58,191 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.