Head-to-head · 2026
John Brown University vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Compare average net price ($20,397 at John Brown University; $10,574 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith), ROI score (6.61 vs 9.72), ten-year median earnings ($53,907 vs $41,102), and admissions selectivity (76.1% acceptance at John Brown University; 80.5% at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith) using federal College Scorecard data. John Brown University has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith 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 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.61 | 9.72 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,397 | $10,574 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,907 ✓ | $41,102 |
| Acceptance rate | 76.1% ✓ | 80.5% |
| Graduation rate | 71.8% ✓ | 37.9% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $18,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,471 | 4,091 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1195 ✓ | 1050 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
John Brown University costs $9,823 more per year than University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ($20,397 vs $10,574). John Brown University graduates report $12,805 higher median earnings after ten years ($53,907 vs $41,102). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ahead on projected ROI (9.72 vs 6.61, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Arkansas-Fort Smith) 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 80.5% (accessible) at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Frequently asked
John Brown University vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is John Brown University or University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the better value?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.72 vs 6.61), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is cheaper — average net price $10,574 per year vs $20,397 at John Brown University. The annual difference of $9,823 adds up to about $39,292 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
John Brown University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $53,907 vs $41,102 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,805.
Which school is harder to get into?
John Brown University is more selective at 76.1% acceptance vs 80.5% at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
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; University of Arkansas-Fort Smith reports B.