The cost of college in Arkansas — and what it pays back
Across the 47 Arkansas institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $12,366/yr, $4,540 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $36,902 ten years after entry (below the $43,552 national median), and 7 of the 47 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$12,366
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$36,902
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
8.0 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
7/47
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Arkansas's 47 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong1
Solid3
Slow2
Weak41
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas Grantham | $8,370 | $63,496 | 2.2 yrs |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | $25,454 | $62,244 | 7.3 yrs |
| University of Arkansas | $18,209 | $58,191 | 7.4 yrs |
| Hendrix College | $24,149 | $60,376 | 8 yrs |
| John Brown University | $20,397 | $53,907 | 14.7 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas | $4,385 | $33,775 | no payback |
| Ozarka College | $4,543 | $29,314 | no payback |
| University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain | $4,842 | $30,037 | no payback |
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas | $4,848 | $29,552 | no payback |
| Black River Technical College | $5,095 | $34,818 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Arkansas?
The median net price across Arkansas colleges is $12,366/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Arkansas cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $12,366/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $4,540/yr less.
What do Arkansas college graduates earn?
A median $36,902 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), below the $43,552 national median.
Which Arkansas college pays for itself fastest?
University of Arkansas Grantham — about 2.2 years to clear its $33,480 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-arkansas page.