Arkansas State University vs University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: 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 $35,550 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arkansas State University | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,366 | $12,653 |
| Total net cost | $49,464 | $50,612 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,617 | $35,550 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $24,202 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$164,324 | -$306,812 |
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 Pine Bluff?
Arkansas State University, at $12,366 a year after aid versus $12,653 — a gap of $287 a year, or $1,148 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 Pine Bluff graduates earn more?
Arkansas State University graduates report a median $42,617 ten years after entry, $7,067 more than the $35,550 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff?
Arkansas State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $24,202 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a difference of $3,702. 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 40% at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 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.