Arkansas State University vs University of Arkansas at Little Rock: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Arkansas at Little Rock comes closer — median earnings $45,265 against a $68,992 total, vs $42,617 at Arkansas State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arkansas State University | University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,366 | $17,248 |
| Total net cost | $49,464 | $68,992 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,617 | $45,265 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $22,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$164,324 | -$130,892 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas at Little Rock?
Arkansas State University, at $12,366 a year after aid versus $17,248 — a gap of $4,882 a year, or $19,528 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 University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates earn more?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates report a median $45,265 ten years after entry, $2,648 more than the $42,617 at Arkansas State University. 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 leaves students with less debt, Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas at Little Rock?
Arkansas State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $22,000 at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at Arkansas State University, against 42% at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 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.