Degree Dividend
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Arkansas State University vs University of the Ozarks: which has better ROI?

Public, Jonesboro AR · vs · Private nonprofit, Clarksville AR

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of the Ozarks comes closer — median earnings $44,384 against a $69,440 total, vs $42,617 at Arkansas State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureArkansas State UniversityUniversity of the Ozarks
Net price / yr$12,366$17,360
Total net cost$49,464$69,440
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,617$44,384
Median debt$20,500$20,875
Payback——
20-year net return-$164,324-$148,960

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

Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or University of the Ozarks?

Arkansas State University, at $12,366 a year after aid versus $17,360 — a gap of $4,994 a year, or $19,976 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 the Ozarks graduates earn more?

University of the Ozarks graduates report a median $44,384 ten years after entry, $1,767 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 the Ozarks?

Arkansas State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $20,875 at University of the Ozarks, a difference of $375. 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 51% at University of the Ozarks. 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.

Arkansas State University vs University of the Ozarks: frequently asked questions

Is Arkansas State University or University of the Ozarks a better value?
University of the Ozarks comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or University of the Ozarks?
Arkansas State University: $12,366/yr net price after aid versus $17,360/yr at University of the Ozarks — a difference of $4,994 a year, or about $19,976 over four years.
Do Arkansas State University or University of the Ozarks graduates earn more?
University of the Ozarks graduates earn a median $44,384 ten years after entry, versus $42,617 at Arkansas State University — a $1,767 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.