Head-to-head · 2026
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs University of Arkansas
Compare average net price ($14,027 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus; $18,209 at University of Arkansas), ROI score (7.55 vs 7.99), ten-year median earnings ($42,386 vs $58,191), and admissions selectivity (75.3% acceptance at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus; 74.3% at University of Arkansas) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Arkansas has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of Arkansas 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 | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.55 | 7.99 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,027 ✓ | $18,209 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $42,386 | $58,191 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 75.3% | 74.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 48.8% | 70.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,750 ✓ | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,708 | 28,677 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1047 | 1169 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Arkansas costs $4,182 more per year than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ($18,209 vs $14,027). University of Arkansas graduates report $15,805 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,191 vs $42,386). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Arkansas ahead on projected ROI (7.99 vs 7.55, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Arkansas) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is accessible at 75.3% acceptance versus 74.3% (accessible) at University of Arkansas.
Frequently asked
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs University of Arkansas, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Southern Arkansas University Main Campus or University of Arkansas the better value?
University of Arkansas has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.99 vs 7.55), 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 $18,209 at University of Arkansas. The annual difference of $4,182 adds up to about $16,728 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Arkansas reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $58,191 vs $42,386 at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,805.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Arkansas is more selective at 74.3% acceptance vs 75.3% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.
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. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus reports a B value grade; University of Arkansas reports B.