Fort Smith, AR · Private University
Is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$41,102
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$6,906
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,770
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$55,080
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.98x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
37.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$10,097
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates earn $3,898 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ranked by graduate earnings
44 graduates
144 graduates
26 graduates
22 graduates
284 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $71,999) and the lowest (Chemistry: $22,255) is $49,744/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $71,999 | 5.2x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,404 | 4.8x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(1yr data) | $58,380 | 4.2x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions(1yr data) | $54,484 | 4.0x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,588 | 3.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,007 | 2.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $39,829 | 2.9x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,511 | 2.7x |
| History | $36,937 | 2.7x |
| Psychology, General | $35,086 | 2.5x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $32,717 | 2.4x |
| Social Work(1yr data) | $32,532 | 2.4x |
| Biology, General | $31,612 | 2.3x |
| Communication and Media Studies(1yr data) | $28,951 | 2.1x |
| ChemistryLowest(1yr data) | $22,255 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $41,102 10 years after starting, $3,898 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.