Great town - I go for work - either fly KC or Tulsa and drive because xna can be pricey abd I have others to visit. - but I love going there. Well I go to Bentonville but often stay in Springdale or Fayetteville because Bentonville is pricey. I used to drive - and I loved coming up the I49 from Fort Smith…beautiful scenery. The only nice part of the state 
Yes, the school is up and coming but the b school is doing great things already given the Wal Mart access/money…and more…and Fashion is big there. People don’t think of Arkansas but many are moving there and housing prices are starting to get…a bit out of whack.
Anyway, was just food for thought for OP given the major.