At $10,097/yr net price, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates earn $41,102/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,102/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,097 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,102/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,102/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,450/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,256/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,856/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,295/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,335/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,681 | $20,413 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,218 | $21,490 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,964 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $24,125 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $53,810 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,392 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $19,652 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $16,328 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
37.0% of students at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
The financial picture at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is mixed, and your major decides everything. The $41,102 median earnings across all graduates ten years out sits low, but that number hides a wide gap between programs that pay off and ones that leave you stuck near the median.
Nursing and computer science are the clear winners here, both clearing $61,000. Those two graduate with reasonable debt relative to what they earn, so the math works. Dental support services pays well too, but you carry the highest debt load of any listed program to get there, which narrows the return. Accounting sits at the bottom of the top-five list, still well above the schoolwide median. If you enroll in a program outside these five, you should assume your earnings track closer to that $41,102 figure, which barely separates you from workers without a degree.
The real risk at UAFS is finishing at all. A 37% graduation rate means most people who start here do not walk away with a degree, and a 72% retention rate shows the drop-off begins early. Debt without a diploma is the worst outcome, and the odds of that here are high. The median debt of $18,250 is manageable only if you graduate into nursing, tech, or health.
Cost is where UAFS delivers. Families earning under $30,000 pay $8,450, and even the highest earners top out around $13,335. That keeps the downside small if things go wrong.
This school fits you if you commit to nursing, computer science, or allied health and can finish. If you are undecided or drawn to a lower-earning field, the low price protects you, but the payoff will be thin. Look elsewhere if you need a degree that pays regardless of major.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith worth the cost?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith offers decent value with a low net price of $10,097 and manageable debt averaging $18,250. However, the 37% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?
Nursing programs at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith lead earnings at $61,681 annually, followed by computer science at $61,218. These healthcare and tech programs offer strong job prospects that justify the investment.
How much debt do University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates typically have?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates carry a median debt of $18,250, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The affordable tuition helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
What salary can I expect after graduating from University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates earn a median of $41,102 ten years after graduation. This places the school below national averages, though nursing and computer science graduates earn significantly more.