Head-to-head · 2026
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith vs University of the Ozarks
Compare average net price ($10,574 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith; $17,360 at University of the Ozarks), ROI score (9.72 vs 6.39), ten-year median earnings ($41,102 vs $44,384), and admissions selectivity (80.5% acceptance at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith; 59.5% at University of the Ozarks) using federal College Scorecard data. University of the Ozarks 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 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | University of the Ozarks |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.72 ✓ | 6.39 |
| Avg net price | $10,574 ✓ | $17,360 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,102 | $44,384 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 80.5% | 59.5% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 37.9% | 51.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,250 ✓ | $20,875 |
| Enrollment | 4,091 | 767 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 1105 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of the Ozarks costs $6,786 more per year than University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ($17,360 vs $10,574). University of the Ozarks graduates report $3,282 higher median earnings after ten years ($44,384 vs $41,102). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ahead on projected ROI (9.72 vs 6.39, 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 59.5% (accessible) at University of the Ozarks.
Frequently asked
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith vs University of the Ozarks, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith or University of the Ozarks the better value?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.72 vs 6.39), 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 $17,360 at University of the Ozarks. The annual difference of $6,786 adds up to about $27,144 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of the Ozarks reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $44,384 vs $41,102 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,282.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of the Ozarks is more selective at 59.5% 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-Fort Smith reports a B value grade; University of the Ozarks reports C.