College Costs in Fort Smith, AR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$23,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$405
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Fort Smith Overview
Population
89,142
Student Population
5,964 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
78.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
32/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Fort Smith
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$84,564
Total After Financial Aid
$84,564
Annual Cost
$21,141
Annual After Aid
$21,141
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $84,564 |
| Monthly Payment | $960 |
| Total Interest | $30,661 |
| Total Loan Cost | $115,225 |
Universities in Fort Smith
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith State University | Public | $9,296 |
| Fort Smith Community College | Community | $5,128 |
Fort Smith has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fort Smith vs. National Average
| Category | Fort Smith | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,200 | $10,940 | -$1,740 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $405 | $1,050 | -$645 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.5 | 100 | -21.5 |
Fort Smith's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Fort Smith
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,964 students
Fort Smith has a total population of 89,142, with approximately 5,964 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fort Smith offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fort Smith
$25,177
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fort Smith earn a median starting salary of $25,177, which is -$9,823 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $84,564 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,882 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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