Head-to-head · 2026
University of Arkansas at Little Rock vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 4 for University of Arkansas-Fort Smith — University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.56 | 9.72 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,248 | $10,574 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,265 ✓ | $41,102 |
| Acceptance rate | 58.8% ✓ | 80.5% |
| Graduation rate | 41.7% ✓ | 37.9% |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $18,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,949 | 4,091 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1049 | 1050 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Arkansas at Little Rock costs $6,674 more per year than University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ($17,248 vs $10,574). University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates report $4,163 higher median earnings after ten years ($45,265 vs $41,102). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ahead on projected ROI (9.72 vs 6.56, 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, University of Arkansas at Little Rock is accessible at 58.8% acceptance versus 80.5% (accessible) at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Frequently asked
University of Arkansas at Little Rock vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Arkansas at Little Rock or University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the better value?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.72 vs 6.56), 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 $17,248 at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The annual difference of $6,674 adds up to about $26,696 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $45,265 vs $41,102 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,163.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock is more selective at 58.8% 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. University of Arkansas at Little Rock reports a C value grade; University of Arkansas-Fort Smith reports B.