Head-to-head · 2026
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Compare average net price ($12,653 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; $10,574 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith), ROI score (7.02 vs 9.72), ten-year median earnings ($35,550 vs $41,102), and admissions selectivity (41.2% acceptance at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; 80.5% at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.02 | 9.72 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,653 | $10,574 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,550 | $41,102 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 41.2% ✓ | 80.5% |
| Graduation rate | 40.4% ✓ | 37.9% |
| Median debt | $24,202 | $18,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,807 | 4,091 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 922 | 1050 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff costs $2,079 more per year than University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ($12,653 vs $10,574). University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates report $5,552 higher median earnings after ten years ($41,102 vs $35,550). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ahead on projected ROI (9.72 vs 7.02, 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 Pine Bluff is selective at 41.2% acceptance versus 80.5% (accessible) at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Frequently asked
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff or University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the better value?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.72 vs 7.02), 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 $12,653 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The annual difference of $2,079 adds up to about $8,316 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $41,102 vs $35,550 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,552.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is more selective at 41.2% 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 Pine Bluff reports a C value grade; University of Arkansas-Fort Smith reports B.