University of Central Arkansas vs Arkansas State University Mid-South: which has better ROI?
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 $31,857 at Arkansas State University Mid-South. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Central Arkansas | Arkansas State University Mid-South |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,511 | $5,427 |
| Total net cost | $66,044 | $21,708 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,938 | $31,857 |
| Median debt | $20,346 | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$114,484 | -$351,768 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Central Arkansas or Arkansas State University Mid-South?
Arkansas State University Mid-South, at $5,427 a year after aid versus $16,511 — a gap of $11,084 a year, or $44,336 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 Central Arkansas or Arkansas State University Mid-South graduates earn more?
University of Central Arkansas graduates report a median $45,938 ten years after entry, $14,081 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 54% at University of Central 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.