University of Arkansas vs Arkansas Tech University: which has better ROI?
University of Arkansas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,836 in 7.4 years versus not at all at Arkansas Tech University, on median earnings of $58,191 vs $41,766 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Arkansas | Arkansas Tech University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,209 | $12,970 |
| Total net cost | $72,836 | $51,880 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,191 | $41,766 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,000 |
| Payback | 7.4 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $123,784 | -$183,760 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Arkansas or Arkansas Tech University?
Arkansas Tech University, at $12,970 a year after aid versus $18,209 — a gap of $5,239 a year, or $20,956 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Arkansas or Arkansas Tech University graduates earn more?
University of Arkansas graduates report a median $58,191 ten years after entry, $16,425 more than the $41,766 at Arkansas Tech 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, University of Arkansas or Arkansas Tech University?
Arkansas Tech University: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $21,500 at University of Arkansas, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at University of Arkansas, 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.