University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$27,624
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$925/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
29.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-33%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has an acceptance rate of 81.5% and a graduation rate of 39.5%. The average in-state tuition is $6,906. One year after graduation, the average earnings are $39,670. Five years after graduation, the average earnings are $35,925, and ten years after graduation, the average earnings are $41,102.
The median debt for students is $18,250. The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. 28.2% of students receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$6,906
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,250
Median Earnings (5yr)
$35,925
Graduation Rate
40%
Receive Financial Aid
28%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $27,624 | $42,588 | 449% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $27,624 | $66,404 | 2174% |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | $27,624 | $0 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $27,624 | $29,922 | N/A |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | $27,624 | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $27,624 | $37,511 | 82% |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | $27,624 | $0 | N/A |
| Precision Metal Working. | $27,624 | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General. | $27,624 | $31,612 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $27,624 | $35,086 | -94% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $27,624 | $34,439 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $27,624 | $40,007 | 263% |
Peer Comparison
-33%
20yr ROI
-26%
20yr ROI
-59%
20yr ROI
-55%
20yr ROI
-45%
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.