Arkansas State University vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith: 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 $41,102 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arkansas State University | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,366 | $10,574 |
| Total net cost | $49,464 | $21,148 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,617 | $41,102 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $18,250 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$164,324 | -$166,308 |
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-Fort Smith?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, at $10,574 a year after aid versus $12,366 — a gap of $1,792 a year, or $28,316 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-Fort Smith graduates earn more?
Arkansas State University graduates report a median $42,617 ten years after entry, $1,515 more than the $41,102 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. 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-Fort Smith?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith: its completers carry a median $18,250 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Arkansas State University, a difference of $2,250. 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 38% at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. 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.