University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ROI Analysis
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
above 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, alumni earn $39,670. Five years after graduation, earnings are $35,925, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $41,102.
The median debt for students is $18,250. The data does not provide a debt-to-income ratio. The data does not provide a break-even timeline.
A total of 28.2% of students receive financial aid. The retention rate is 71.6%.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,588 | 449% |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,404 | 2174% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $32,717 | N/A |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $0 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,511 | 82% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,007 | 263% |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies | $0 | N/A |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $32,723 | N/A |
| Precision Metal Working | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $31,612 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $35,086 | -94% |
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)
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.