At $3,558/yr net price, Arkansas State University Mid-South graduates earn $31,857/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,558 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,232 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,857/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,143/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,495/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,529/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,860/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,522/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,829 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $21,052 |
The Risk Factor
50.0% of students at Arkansas State University Mid-South graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Arkansas State University Mid-South delivers solid financial returns for a two-year college, with a low net price of $3,558 annually making it accessible even without significant financial aid. Your debt load will be minimal compared to four-year institutions, and the median earnings of $31,857 within ten years represent reasonable returns for an associate degree program.
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the strongest ROI at this campus, with graduates earning $38,829 annually. This puts you well above the school median and justifies the investment for healthcare-focused careers. Liberal Arts transfers earn $24,035, which works if you plan to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere. Medical Assisting graduates earn $21,052, barely above minimum wage levels for full-time work.
The 50% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Half of students leave without completing their programs, wasting time and money. The regional job market in West Memphis and the broader Memphis metropolitan area supports healthcare careers but offers limited opportunities for other fields.
You should consider ASU Mid-South if you want healthcare training at rock-bottom prices or need an affordable transfer pathway to a four-year school. Skip this school if you need extensive student support services or want programs beyond basic healthcare and liberal arts. Only 35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can afford the low sticker price without assistance.
Focus on healthcare programs if you attend. The cost advantage disappears quickly if you do not graduate, so commit to finishing your degree within the typical timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas State University Mid-South worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Arkansas State University Mid-South offers one of the lowest net prices in the state at $3,558 per year, making it affordable even with modest post-graduation earnings of $31,857. The low cost helps offset the below-average graduation rate of 50%.
What are the best paying programs at Arkansas State University Mid-South?
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment programs lead with average earnings of $38,829 after graduation. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $24,035, while Medical Assisting graduates average just $21,052.
Will I have high student debt after graduating from Arkansas State University Mid-South?
The extremely low net price of $3,558 per year means most students can graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year universities. However, half of students don't graduate at all, which creates risk of debt without a degree.
Does Arkansas State University Mid-South have good job placement after graduation?
The school focuses on practical programs like allied health that typically have steady job demand in Arkansas. Graduate earnings vary widely by program, from $21,052 for medical assistants to $38,829 for diagnostic health professionals.