Students at the University of Arkansas achieve consistently strong financial outcomes that place the institution among the top quarter of public universities nationwide for long-term earnings.
Graduates benefit from solid career preparation and alumni networks that translate into above-average earning power and financial stability.
Azimuth ranks the University of Arkansas 75th out of approximately 400 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 19% for overall value. This flagship research university in Fayetteville delivers consistently strong long-term outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $58,191 ten years after enrollment and nearly 70% completing their degrees within six years. What distinguishes Arkansas is its ability to balance academic quality with reasonable costs—net prices remain manageable across income levels while maintaining the resources and reputation of a major research institution.
The university serves as Arkansas's premier public institution, combining comprehensive academic offerings with significant research activity and extensive alumni networks. With strong programs in business, engineering, and professional fields, Arkansas graduates enter competitive job markets with solid earning potential and the backing of a well-established state flagship. The institution's "Selective Achievers" mobility profile reflects its focus on delivering strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited for low-income and first-generation students compared to other public universities.
For families seeking a traditional flagship experience with predictable costs and reliable career outcomes, the University of Arkansas offers the scale, resources, and reputation that define major state research universities, backed by financial results that consistently exceed many peer institutions nationwide.
The University of Arkansas offers a well-balanced program portfolio that consistently delivers strong career outcomes across multiple fields. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate return, graduating 422 students annually with median earnings of $52,464—making it the university's primary economic engine. Digital Marketing, with 355 graduates earning $47,673, demonstrates Arkansas's strength in contemporary business fields that align with modern employer needs.
Engineering programs showcase the university's technical excellence, with Chemical Engineering graduates earning $78,343 early in their careers—among the highest individual earnings across all programs. This reflects both the rigor of Arkansas's engineering curriculum and the strong demand for technical graduates in regional and national markets. Even specialized programs like Anthropology, while producing more modest early earnings of $21,660, serve important roles in preparing students for graduate study and careers in education, research, and public service.
The university's program mix reflects its flagship mission, balancing professional preparation with academic breadth. Strong employer relationships and extensive alumni networks, particularly in business and engineering, help explain why Arkansas graduates consistently achieve above-average earnings compared with peers at similar institutions. This combination of program quality, scale, and market positioning creates multiple pathways for students to achieve strong long-term financial outcomes.
Graduates of the University of Arkansas achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top quartile nationally for earnings performance. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,191, with the university ranking in the 75th percentile among public institutions for overall return on investment. This solid earning power reflects both the breadth of Arkansas's academic programs and the strength of its alumni networks across business, engineering, and professional fields.
Business Administration stands out as the university's highest aggregate return program, graduating 422 students annually with median earnings of $52,464—a combination of strong enrollment and solid pay that makes it a key economic driver for the institution. Digital Marketing, the largest program by footprint with 355 graduates, produces median earnings of $47,673, while Chemical Engineering delivers some of the highest individual earnings at $78,343 for its 88 graduates. Even programs with more modest earnings, like Anthropology at $21,660, contribute to the university's overall academic diversity and serve students pursuing graduate school or specialized career paths.
The university's strong performance in business and engineering programs, combined with its flagship status and extensive employer relationships, helps explain why Arkansas graduates consistently achieve above-average earnings compared with similar public institutions. This earning power provides graduates with solid financial foundations for career advancement and long-term wealth building.
The University of Arkansas maintains reasonable affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay approximately $13,017 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $17,379 per year—both figures that compare favorably with many flagship research universities. Even high-income families pay a predictable $20,991 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to transparent pricing and manageable cost structures.
Debt levels remain within reasonable bounds for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt totals $21,500, a moderate level that aligns well with the university's strong earning outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,521, indicating that many families choose to contribute directly to their students' education costs rather than relying solely on student borrowing. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by solid post-graduation earnings and career stability.
What makes Arkansas particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between borrowing and earning power. With median 10-year earnings of $58,191, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building their careers. The combination of reasonable upfront costs, moderate debt levels, and strong long-term earnings creates a financial pathway that works for families across different income levels without creating undue burden.
University Of Arkansas Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
