University of Arkansas ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of Arkansas costs about $38,992 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $49,686 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.7 years (20-year ROI: 653%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,992
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,686/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.7 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
653%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville has an in-state tuition of $9,748. One year after graduation, alumni earn $47,767. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $49,686, and ten years after, earnings reach $58,191. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, and 34.1% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 45% one year after graduation, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. The five-year earnings result in a debt-to-income ratio of approximately 43%. The ten-year earnings result in a debt-to-income ratio of approximately 37%.
The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for the cumulative earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is less than one year. This is determined by dividing the tuition cost by the one-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,748
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,686
Graduation Rate
70%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
653%
20yr ROI
405%
20yr ROI
735%
20yr ROI
658%
20yr ROI
472%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.