Head-to-head · 2026
John Brown University vs Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Compare average net price ($20,397 at John Brown University; $14,027 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus), ROI score (6.61 vs 7.55), ten-year median earnings ($53,907 vs $42,386), and admissions selectivity (76.1% acceptance at John Brown University; 75.3% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | John Brown University | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.61 | 7.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,397 | $14,027 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,907 ✓ | $42,386 |
| Acceptance rate | 76.1% | 75.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 71.8% ✓ | 48.8% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $18,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,471 | 2,708 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1195 ✓ | 1047 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
John Brown University costs $6,370 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ($20,397 vs $14,027). John Brown University graduates report $11,521 higher median earnings after ten years ($53,907 vs $42,386). On EduGradify's model that puts Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (7.55 vs 6.61, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Southern Arkansas University Main Campus) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, John Brown University is accessible at 76.1% acceptance versus 75.3% (accessible) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
Frequently asked
John Brown University vs Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is John Brown University or Southern Arkansas University Main Campus the better value?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.55 vs 6.61), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $14,027 per year vs $20,397 at John Brown University. The annual difference of $6,370 adds up to about $25,480 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
John Brown University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $53,907 vs $42,386 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,521.
Which school is harder to get into?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is more selective at 75.3% acceptance vs 76.1% at John Brown University.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. John Brown University reports a C value grade; Southern Arkansas University Main Campus reports B.

