Arkansas State University vs Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arkansas State University comes closer — median earnings $42,617 against a $49,464 total, vs $33,775 at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arkansas State University | Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,366 | $4,385 |
| Total net cost | $49,464 | $17,540 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,617 | $33,775 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$164,324 | -$309,240 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas?
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas, at $4,385 a year after aid versus $12,366 — a gap of $7,981 a year, or $31,924 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 or Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas graduates earn more?
Arkansas State University graduates report a median $42,617 ten years after entry, $8,842 more than the $33,775 at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas. 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?
55% of students finish at Arkansas State University, against 54% at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas. 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.