Degree Dividend
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Arkansas State University Mid-South vs Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock: which has better ROI?

Public, West Memphis AR · vs · Private for-profit, North Little Rock AR

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arkansas State University Mid-South comes closer — median earnings $31,857 against a $21,708 total, vs $24,765 at Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureArkansas State University Mid-SouthPaul Mitchell the School-Little Rock
Net price / yr$5,427$18,356
Total net cost$21,708$73,424
Median earnings, 10 yrs$31,857$24,765
Median debt$10,725
Payback
20-year net return-$351,768-$545,324

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University Mid-South or Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock?

Arkansas State University Mid-South, at $5,427 a year after aid versus $18,356 — a gap of $12,929 a year, or $51,716 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Arkansas State University Mid-South or Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock graduates earn more?

Arkansas State University Mid-South graduates report a median $31,857 ten years after entry, $7,092 more than the $24,765 at Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock, against 58% at Arkansas State University Mid-South. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Arkansas State University Mid-South vs Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock: frequently asked questions

Is Arkansas State University Mid-South or Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock a better value?
Arkansas State University Mid-South comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University Mid-South or Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock?
Arkansas State University Mid-South: $5,427/yr net price after aid versus $18,356/yr at Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock — a difference of $12,929 a year, or about $51,716 over four years.
Do Arkansas State University Mid-South or Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock graduates earn more?
Arkansas State University Mid-South graduates earn a median $31,857 ten years after entry, versus $24,765 at Paul Mitchell the School-Little Rock — a $7,092 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.