Head-to-head · 2026
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith vs University of Central Arkansas
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, 3 for University of Central Arkansas — 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-Fort Smith | University of Central Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.72 ✓ | 6.96 |
| Avg net price | $10,574 ✓ | $16,511 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,102 | $45,938 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 80.5% ✓ | 89.5% |
| Graduation rate | 37.9% | 53.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,250 ✓ | $20,346 |
| Enrollment | 4,091 | 7,762 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 1118 ✓ |
| Wins | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Central Arkansas costs $5,937 more per year than University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ($16,511 vs $10,574). University of Central Arkansas graduates report $4,836 higher median earnings after ten years ($45,938 vs $41,102). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ahead on projected ROI (9.72 vs 6.96, 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-Fort Smith is accessible at 80.5% acceptance versus 89.5% (accessible) at University of Central Arkansas.
Frequently asked
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith vs University of Central Arkansas, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith or University of Central Arkansas the better value?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.72 vs 6.96), 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 $16,511 at University of Central Arkansas. The annual difference of $5,937 adds up to about $23,748 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Central Arkansas reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $45,938 vs $41,102 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,836.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is more selective at 80.5% acceptance vs 89.5% at University of Central Arkansas.
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-Fort Smith reports a B value grade; University of Central Arkansas reports C.