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Head-to-head comparison

Arkansas State University vs University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: which has better ROI?

Public, Jonesboro AR · vs · Public, Pine Bluff AR

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University

Net price / year
$12,366
Earnings, 10 years
$42,617
Payback
No payback

Option B Pine Bluff, AR

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Net price / year
$12,653
Earnings, 10 years
$35,550
Payback
No payback
The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arkansas State University comes closer — median earnings $42,617 against a $49,464 total, vs $35,550 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureArkansas State UniversityUniversity of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Net price / yr$12,366$12,653
Total net cost$49,464$50,612
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,617$35,550
Median debt$20,500$24,202
Payback——
20-year net return-$164,324-$306,812

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff?

Arkansas State University, at $12,366 a year after aid versus $12,653 — a gap of $287 a year, or $1,148 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduates earn more?

Arkansas State University graduates report a median $42,617 ten years after entry, $7,067 more than the $35,550 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff?

Arkansas State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $24,202 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a difference of $3,702. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Arkansas State University, against 40% at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Arkansas State University vs University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: frequently asked questions

Is Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff a better value?
Arkansas State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff?
Arkansas State University: $12,366/yr net price after aid versus $12,653/yr at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — a difference of $287 a year, or about $1,148 over four years.
Do Arkansas State University or University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduates earn more?
Arkansas State University graduates earn a median $42,617 ten years after entry, versus $35,550 at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — a $7,067 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.