Students at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith benefit from exceptionally low costs that make college accessible to families across income levels, with net prices well below regional and national averages.
The university adds meaningful value through affordable degree pathways and earnings that exceed expectations for a regional institution serving first-generation and working students.
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith serves as an accessible regional institution that prioritizes affordability over premium outcomes. While Azimuth ranks UAFS in the bottom quartile nationally for overall value, the university delivers meaningful strengths in specific areas, particularly healthcare programs and cost management. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants and about 48% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's role as an access point for underserved populations in western Arkansas.
The university's financial profile shows both challenges and opportunities. Graduates earn a median of $41,102 ten years after enrollment, which places UAFS below typical public university outcomes but still represents solid value given the low net prices families pay. Net costs for low-income students average just $8,450 annually, among the most affordable in the region, while middle-income families pay around $11,856 per year.
As a medium-sized public institution, UAFS focuses on practical, career-oriented programs rather than research intensity. The university's strength lies in serving students who might not otherwise attend college, providing pathways into stable middle-class careers through nursing, business, and technical fields. For families prioritizing affordability and regional employment opportunities, UAFS offers a pragmatic choice that balances access with reasonable long-term outcomes.
Program selection significantly impacts long-term outcomes at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, with healthcare fields delivering the strongest returns. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the university's second-largest program and one of its highest-earning, graduating 113 students annually with median earnings of $61,681 ten years out. This reflects strong regional demand for healthcare professionals and the practical, career-focused nature of UAFS programs.
Business Administration represents the university's largest program with 256 graduates, but earnings are more moderate at $32,071, typical for general business degrees at regional institutions. Dental Assisting offers strong earning potential at $55,964 but serves a smaller cohort of 21 students. At the other end of the spectrum, Biology majors face more challenging outcomes with median earnings of just $23,869, highlighting how foundational science programs without clear career pathways can struggle at institutions focused on practical workforce preparation.
The pattern reflects UAFS's mission as a regional workforce development institution, where programs with direct connections to local employment opportunities tend to deliver stronger outcomes. Students focused on maximizing return on investment should prioritize healthcare and technical programs, while those choosing liberal arts or general studies fields should have realistic expectations about earnings potential and consider how their degree connects to specific career goals.
Graduates of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith see modest but meaningful long-term earnings, with a median income of $41,102 ten years after enrollment. While this places the university in the bottom quartile nationally for graduate earnings, UAFS students do earn about $4,455 more than similar students at comparable institutions, showing the university adds value beyond what might be expected given its student profile and resources.
Program choice makes a significant difference in outcomes at UAFS. The university's standout program is Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 113 students annually with median earnings of $61,681 ten years out, reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in Arkansas. Dental Assisting also delivers solid returns with graduates earning around $55,964, though the program is smaller with just 21 graduates. Business Administration represents the university's largest program with 256 graduates, but earnings are more modest at $32,071, while Biology majors see the lowest returns at $23,869.
The university's program mix reflects its regional mission, with substantial enrollment in practical fields like nursing and business that connect directly to local employment opportunities. Students who choose healthcare pathways typically see strong early-career earnings that continue to grow over time, while those in liberal arts or general studies face more challenging financial outcomes. For students focused on maximizing return on investment, program selection becomes especially critical at UAFS.
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $8,450 per year, placing the university among the most affordable public institutions in the region. Middle-income families see annual costs around $11,856, while even higher-income students pay only $13,335 annually, making UAFS accessible to families across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,250 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $10,000. These modest debt loads, combined with the university's low sticker prices, mean most families can complete a degree without taking on overwhelming financial obligations. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates, despite earning less than peers at other institutions, can generally manage their debt payments successfully.
What makes UAFS particularly sustainable is how the low upfront costs create breathing room for students and families. Even with modest post-graduation earnings, the combination of affordable net prices and reasonable debt levels means most graduates can handle their financial obligations while building toward long-term stability. This approach prioritizes financial accessibility over maximum earnings potential, making higher education attainable for students who might otherwise be priced out of college entirely.
University Of Arkansas-Fort Smith Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
