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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,161 |
| Tuition and Fees | $28,772 |
| Room and Board | $13,290 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,154 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,636 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,525 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,017 |
| $30–48k | $14,115 |
| $48–75k | $17,379 |
| $75–110k | $19,755 |
| $110k+ | $20,991 |
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.
University of Arkansas demonstrates moderate commitment to financial accessibility through its aid distribution patterns. The $8,636 average financial aid savings indicates most students receive meaningful support, though the 17.3% Pell share suggests more limited low-income access compared to typical public flagships that often enroll 30-40% Pell-eligible students.
Net price reductions concentrate among families earning under $75,000, with smaller discounts for higher-income families reflecting typical aid targeting strategies. The progressive pricing structure from $13,017 to $20,991 across income tiers shows the university uses financial aid to manage affordability rather than simply providing across-the-board discounts.
Students from families earning under $48,000 receive the most substantial aid, with net prices below $15,000 making University of Arkansas competitive with community college costs for these populations. The aid profile reflects a state flagship balancing accessibility with revenue needs, providing meaningful support while maintaining financial sustainability through higher-income enrollment.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Arkansas graduates carry median debt of $21,500, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but within reasonable ranges for public flagship institutions. Debt levels span from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating substantial variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means typical graduates owe approximately 37 cents for every dollar of annual income, falling within manageable parameters for loan repayment. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $21,521 with monthly payments of $283, representing additional family financial obligations beyond student borrowing.
The $1,500 difference between university debt levels and peer medians suggests slightly higher borrowing at University of Arkansas, though the gap remains modest. Debt concentration in the $20,000-$26,000 range indicates most students borrow reasonable amounts that align with expected earnings, avoiding the extreme debt levels that create repayment challenges.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Arkansas generates earnings beyond expectations of negative $12,012, placing it in the 11th percentile nationally for value-added performance. Despite this below-expected earnings performance, the university maintains reasonable return on investment through controlled debt levels and steady earnings growth.
Median debt of $21,500 against median earnings of $58,191 creates manageable debt burdens for most graduates, with loan payments representing approximately 37% of annual income. The negative earnings beyond expectations suggests graduates earn less than predicted based on their academic preparation and demographic characteristics, though absolute earnings of $58,191 remain above average nationally.
Students should weigh the moderate debt levels against earnings performance when evaluating financial returns, recognizing that University of Arkansas provides solid but not exceptional economic outcomes. The investment case strengthens for in-state students paying lower tuition rates and students prioritizing flagship university resources over purely financial returns.
