Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Arkansas State University vs University of Central Arkansas: which has better ROI?

Public, Jonesboro AR · vs · Public, Conway AR

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Central Arkansas comes closer — median earnings $45,938 against a $66,044 total, vs $42,617 at Arkansas State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureArkansas State UniversityUniversity of Central Arkansas
Net price / yr$12,366$16,511
Total net cost$49,464$66,044
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,617$45,938
Median debt$20,500$20,346
Payback
20-year net return$-164,324$-114,484

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