University of Arkansas
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,992
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,686/yr
vs 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 cost of $9,748. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $47,767. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $49,686, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $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 for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 0.45. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,500 by the one-year earnings of $47,767. The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $38,992 | $69,084 | 1648% |
| Marketing. | $38,992 | $66,956 | 1539% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $38,992 | $69,566 | 1673% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $38,992 | $66,626 | 1522% |
| Biology, General. | $38,992 | $46,685 | 499% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $38,992 | $52,795 | 813% |
| Psychology, General. | $38,992 | $44,385 | 381% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $38,992 | $74,571 | 1930% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $38,992 | $50,455 | 693% |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | $38,992 | $83,085 | 2366% |
| Political Science and Government. | $38,992 | $55,403 | 947% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $38,992 | $75,174 | 1961% |
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)
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.