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Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,728/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 17.6x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #305 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$487K	$487K	$463K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.6x	17.6x	16.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.8x	8.8x	8.4x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	27	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$27,624

Out-of-state: $55,080 (8.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$40,388

-46% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,938

10.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,814

60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,728/yr fall 28% below the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 17.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $22,938 against $26,728/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #305 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places University of Arkansas-Fort Smith in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,728-to-$42,814 earnings arc over five years reflects a 60% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 4,133 students in Fort Smith, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr

View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?

At 27/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith a good choice for Liberal Arts and Sciences despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →