At $17,525/yr net price, University of Arkansas graduates earn $58,191/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,191/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,525 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,191/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,191/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,017/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,115/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,379/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,755/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,991/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,421 | $40,962 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 | $20,500 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,854 | $25,405 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $25,957 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $70,680 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $69,524 | $23,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,079 | $25,997 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,778 | $15,625 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Master | $65,053 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,463 |
The Risk Factor
70.0% of students at University of Arkansas graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Arkansas gives you a solid financial return. A degree here costs about $17,500 a year, median debt lands near a single year's net price, and the payoff a decade out clears $58,000. With a 70% grad rate and 86% retention, most people who start actually finish, which is the difference between debt with a degree and debt without one.
Engineering is where the money is. Chemical engineering graduates out-earn the school's median by roughly $20,000 while carrying less debt than the industrial and computer engineering tracks, which push above $25,000. Computer and information sciences and electrical engineering also land in the high $60,000s, and electrical stands out because its typical debt is the lowest of the top five at under $16,000. If you're aiming for one of these fields, the return here is strong and the borrowing stays reasonable.
The risk is that the school's top earnings data is all engineering and computing. If those majors aren't your path, you won't get the salary shown in the leading programs, and the $58,000 median is what you should plan around. Non-technical majors here carry the same cost without the same paycheck evidence, so weigh that before you borrow.
Cost scales with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay around $13,000 a year. above $110,000, closer to $21,000. The gap between the lowest and highest tiers is about $8,000 annually, so lower-income families get a meaningful discount but still face real out-of-pocket cost.
This school fits you if you're headed into engineering or computing and want in-state-level pricing with a strong completion rate. If you're set on a lower-earning major and would need heavy loans, compare the payoff against cheaper options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arkansas worth the cost compared to other state schools?
University of Arkansas offers solid value with a net price of $17,525 and graduates earning $58,191 after 10 years. The relatively low debt load of $21,500 makes it more affordable than many state universities, though earnings lag behind top-tier programs at other schools.
What University of Arkansas majors have the best return on investment?
Business administration leads with graduates earning $106,421 annually, while engineering programs like chemical and industrial engineering produce strong returns around $70,000-78,000. Liberal arts and education majors typically see much lower earnings that may not justify the cost.
How much student debt do University of Arkansas graduates typically have?
The median debt is $21,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, 30% of students don't graduate within six years, meaning some accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does University of Arkansas provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
With a net price of $17,525 after aid, University of Arkansas is reasonably affordable for in-state students. Out-of-state students pay significantly more and should carefully consider whether the earnings potential justifies the higher cost.