Arkansas Tech University vs Arkansas State University Mid-South: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arkansas Tech University comes closer — median earnings $41,766 against a $51,880 total, vs $31,857 at Arkansas State University Mid-South. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas State University Mid-South |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,970 | $5,427 |
| Total net cost | $51,880 | $21,708 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $41,766 | $31,857 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$183,760 | -$351,768 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas Tech University or Arkansas State University Mid-South?
Arkansas State University Mid-South, at $5,427 a year after aid versus $12,970 — a gap of $7,543 a year, or $30,172 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 Tech University or Arkansas State University Mid-South graduates earn more?
Arkansas Tech University graduates report a median $41,766 ten years after entry, $9,909 more than the $31,857 at Arkansas State University Mid-South. 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 graduates more of its students?
58% of students finish at Arkansas State University Mid-South, against 49% at Arkansas Tech University. 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.