Head-to-head · 2026
University of Arkansas vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for University of Arkansas, 3 for University of Arkansas-Fort Smith — University of Arkansas 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 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.99 | 9.72 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,209 | $10,574 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $58,191 ✓ | $41,102 |
| Acceptance rate | 74.3% ✓ | 80.5% |
| Graduation rate | 70.5% ✓ | 37.9% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $18,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 28,677 | 4,091 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1169 ✓ | 1050 |
| Wins | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Arkansas costs $7,635 more per year than University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ($18,209 vs $10,574). University of Arkansas graduates report $17,089 higher median earnings after ten years ($58,191 vs $41,102). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ahead on projected ROI (9.72 vs 7.99, 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 is accessible at 74.3% acceptance versus 80.5% (accessible) at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Frequently asked
University of Arkansas vs University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Arkansas or University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the better value?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.72 vs 7.99), 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 $18,209 at University of Arkansas. The annual difference of $7,635 adds up to about $30,540 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Arkansas reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $58,191 vs $41,102 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,089.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Arkansas is more selective at 74.3% 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 reports a B value grade; University of Arkansas-Fort Smith reports B.