University of Arkansas combines moderate selectivity with solid post-graduation outcomes, ranking in the top 16% nationally overall. As a Selective Achiever institution, the university delivers above-average earnings alongside manageable debt levels, supporting long-term financial stability.
With above average outcomes, driven by steady long-term earnings relative to educational investment
With above average performance, reflecting controlled costs and manageable debt levels
With above average performance, indicating moderate enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With well above average performance, reflecting effective economic advancement for graduates
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of Arkansas generates modest earnings outcomes relative to student expectations, with graduates earning $58,191 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 66th percentile nationally. However, graduates earn $12,012 less than expectations based on their demographics and institutional characteristics, placing the university in the 11th percentile for earnings beyond expectations.
The earnings range spans from $36,435 at the 25th percentile to $87,469 at the 75th percentile, reflecting career path diversity across academic programs. Median student debt remains manageable at $21,500, slightly above the peer median of $20,000, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37.
Students seeking accessible admission to a large public research university with solid business and engineering programs. Well-suited for Arkansas residents prioritizing in-state affordability and students interested in flagship university resources without highly competitive admissions.
The university's business programs rank particularly well nationally.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the University Of Arkansas hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-arkansas/analysis.
Large public flagship with accessible admission
University of Arkansas ranks #260 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with composite performance at the 84.1st percentile. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, this large public research university maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 71.7% acceptance rate while delivering above-average outcomes across multiple dimensions.
The university enrolls 17.3% Pell-eligible students and 26.0% first-generation students, reflecting moderate access levels for a flagship institution. University of Arkansas demonstrates strong performance in mobility, ranking at the 89.2nd percentile, indicating effective economic advancement for graduates.
The institution combines accessible admissions with solid post-graduation outcomes, positioning it as a Selective Achiever that serves fewer low-income students while maintaining above-average earnings performance. Students achieve test scores at the 93rd percentile nationally, with SAT scores ranging from 1050 to 1220, reflecting strong academic preparation among enrolled students.
University of Arkansas admits approximately 71.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This acceptance rate places the university in the Moderately Selective category, making it more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates University of Arkansas is slightly more selective than typical public flagship institutions. This selectivity level means qualified students with solid academic records have reasonable admission chances, though the university does maintain standards for enrollment.
Students should view University of Arkansas as a match or safety school if their academic credentials align with enrolled student profiles. The moderately selective nature allows students to focus on fit factors like program strength, campus culture, and post-graduation outcomes rather than primarily worrying about admission probability.
For students building college lists, University of Arkansas represents a strong option that balances accessibility with flagship university resources and academic reputation. Prospective students should emphasize academic preparation and program interest in their applications while recognizing that admission probability remains favorable for qualified candidates.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Arkansas publishes a cost of attendance of $26,161 annually, comprising $9,748 in-state tuition, $13,290 for room and board, and $1,154 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition at $28,772.
However, the average student pays just $17,525 after financial aid, representing $8,636 in aid savings from the published price. This net price places University of Arkansas $1,935 below the peer median of $19,460, indicating competitive affordability relative to similar public flagship institutions.
The substantial gap between sticker price and net cost demonstrates the university's commitment to financial accessibility through need-based and merit aid programs. Arkansas residents benefit from relatively low in-state tuition rates, while out-of-state students should carefully evaluate the premium against program quality and career outcomes.
The average aid amount suggests most families receive meaningful financial support, though individual results vary significantly based on income level, academic credentials, and other factors. Students should focus on net price rather than published costs when making enrollment decisions, recognizing that financial aid can substantially reduce actual expenses.
University of Arkansas graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $49,686 six years after enrollment to $54,333 at eight years and $58,191 at ten years, representing 17.1% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 4,728 graduates, providing reliable data for earnings projections. Low-income graduates earn $48,600, indicating reasonable outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds despite the negative earnings beyond expectations.
The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with a 2.4:1 ratio between the 75th percentile ($87,469) and 25th percentile ($36,435), reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 26.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
University of Arkansas compares closely to peer institutions, with median earnings $2,352 below the peer median of $60,543.
Computer Engineering, General.
27 graduates
Industrial Engineering.
68 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
88 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
27 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
54 graduates
University of Arkansas offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Chemical Engineering ranks #39 nationally, producing 88 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $93,785.
Actuarial Science ranks #34 nationally, graduating 93 students with median earnings of $75,471. Business Administration represents the largest program by enrollment, graduating 422 students annually with median earnings of $69,084 and ranking #83 nationally.
Digital Marketing ranks #31 nationally, producing 355 graduates earning $66,956. Several programs achieve #1 rankings within Arkansas, including Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies at #3 nationally.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates 281 students with median earnings of $66,626, ranking #194 nationally but #2 in Arkansas. The program portfolio demonstrates strength across business, engineering, and health fields while maintaining substantial enrollment in each area.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Valley State University Similar quality tier (#266 ranked) | MI | 95% | $56,118 | #266 | Compare |
University Of Massachusetts-Lowell Similar quality tier (#263 ranked) | MA | 85% | $64,874 | #263 | Compare |
University Of Kentucky Similar quality tier (#272 ranked) | KY | 92% | $59,025 | #272 | Compare |
University Of Southern Mississippi Similar quality tier (#276 ranked) | MS | 99% | $44,140 | #276 | Compare |
University Of Nebraska-Lincoln Similar quality tier (#277 ranked) | NE | 77% | $56,887 | #277 | Compare |
