University of Arkansas vs Hendrix College: 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 8 years at Hendrix College, on median earnings of $58,191 vs $60,376 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Arkansas | Hendrix College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,209 | $24,149 |
| Total net cost | $72,836 | $96,596 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,191 | $60,376 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $26,688 |
| Payback | 7.4 yrs | 8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $123,784 | $143,724 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Arkansas or Hendrix College?
University of Arkansas, at $18,209 a year after aid versus $24,149 — a gap of $5,940 a year, or $23,760 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 Hendrix College graduates earn more?
Hendrix College graduates report a median $60,376 ten years after entry, $2,185 more than the $58,191 at University of Arkansas. 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 Hendrix College?
University of Arkansas: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $26,688 at Hendrix College, a difference of $5,188. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at Hendrix College, against 71% at University of Arkansas. 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.