At $8,652/yr net price, Arkansas State University-Beebe graduates earn $36,603/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,603/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,652 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,603/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,603/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,093 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,089/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,077/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,982/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,437/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,880/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,342 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $24,615 | $7,650 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,045 | $8,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $15,817 | $6,750 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $14,935 | $7,000 |
The Risk Factor
38.2% of students at Arkansas State University-Beebe graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Arkansas State University-Beebe gives you a low-cost, low-debt start with modest earnings payoff. You borrow around $8,000 to graduate, and median debt sits right at what one year of net price costs. That keeps your financial risk contained even if your income lands on the low end.
The strongest bet here is Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies, where associate graduates out-earn every other program on the list by a wide margin. Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance and Allied Health Diagnostic programs also pull ahead of the school's overall median. These are hands-on technical fields that match Arkansas's demand for skilled trades and rural healthcare workers, so the training connects directly to local jobs.
The weaker end is the general associate degrees. Business/Commerce and Precision Metal Working graduates earn in the mid-$20,000s, close to what you might make without the credential. If you enroll in one of these tracks, treat it as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not an endpoint.
The real risk is the 38% graduation rate. If you borrow and leave without finishing, you carry debt with none of the earnings that make it worth paying. Since the whole value here rests on completing a program that leads to a specific job, dropping out is the outcome that hurts you most.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families: you pay less than families earning over $110k, who pay the most. That flips the usual pattern and makes Beebe a strong fit if your family income is under $48k and you want a trade or health credential without much loan. If you want a bachelor's degree or a career outside these technical fields, use Beebe to transfer cheaply, then finish elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas State University-Beebe worth the cost?
Arkansas State University-Beebe offers solid value for career-focused programs, with a low net price of $8,652 and manageable debt levels. However, the 38% graduation rate is concerning, and earnings vary significantly by program.
What are the highest paying programs at Arkansas State University-Beebe?
Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies leads with $41,342 average earnings, followed by allied health programs at $33,993. Business programs earn significantly less at $24,615, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Arkansas State University-Beebe graduates have?
Median debt is $8,093, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. This keeps monthly payments manageable even for graduates earning around $36,603 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Arkansas State University-Beebe?
Only 38% of students graduate, meaning nearly two-thirds don't complete their programs. This significantly impacts the school's value proposition since non-graduates still accumulate debt without earning credentials.