Arkansas State University-Mountain Home: $3,168 Tuition

$3,168Tuition

920Students

50%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,238Earnings

#10 in ArkansasPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Arkansas State University-Mountain Home

Arkansas State University-Mountain Home serves the Ozark foothills region with hands-on training for in-demand careers. This two-year community college focuses on workforce development and career preparation for its 920 students. The campus sits in a remote town setting where 95% of students come from Arkansas. Students can choose from programs designed to get them working quickly in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business.

The financial picture looks solid for a community college. In-state students pay just $3,168 in tuition, while the average net price after aid reaches $9,659. Graduates earn a median of $34,238 ten years after starting, with typical debt loads of $10,500. Monthly loan payments average only $111, making this an affordable path to middle-class earnings. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families.

The student body skews heavily female at 64%, which fits the school's strong healthcare and human services programs. Only 67 students compete in athletics across two NCCAA sports as Trailblazers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of individual attention. With a 92% employment rate, graduates find work quickly in the regional economy.

Academics & Faculty

Arkansas State University-Mountain Home focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in technical and health sciences programs. Half of students complete their degrees within six years, reflecting the practical nature of these programs. The college emphasizes hands-on training in fields like nursing, welding, and business technology. Students benefit from small class sizes that allow instructors to provide individual guidance. The curriculum aligns closely with regional employer needs, helping graduates secure jobs quickly. Most programs can be completed in two years, making this an affordable pathway to stable careers in north-central Arkansas.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,238

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$47,260
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.	Certificate	$24,035
Information Science/Studies.	Associate	$21,508
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,166
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$16,015

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Mountain Home sits in the Arkansas Ozarks about two hours from Little Rock, surrounded by lakes and rolling hills. Nearly 96% of students come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know each other. With just 920 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and notice when you miss class.

The campus lacks dormitories, so students commute from around the region or rent apartments in town. Women make up 64% of enrollment, and the average age skews older than traditional colleges as many students balance work and family responsibilities. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like fishing on nearby Bull Shoals Lake or hiking in the Ozark Mountains. Arkansas winters require a decent jacket but rarely see snow, while summers demand air conditioning and sunscreen.

The Trailblazers field just two varsity sports with 67 total athletes, so school spirit centers more on academic programs than athletics. With a 92% employment rate and median starting salaries around $31,500, most students focus on practical skills training rather than campus social life.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–45°F
July Avg: 68°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.1"
Annual Snowfall: -1,544.9"

Student Demographics

Mountain Home draws students from across north-central Arkansas, with 95% coming from in-state. The college serves as a vital educational center for rural communities in the Arkansas Ozarks. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting. The Trailblazers primarily attract first-generation college students and working adults seeking career changes. With 43% receiving Pell Grants, Mountain Home fulfills its mission as an affordable pathway to middle-class careers for students from modest economic backgrounds.

Men: 36.2%
Women: 63.8%
White: 92.6%
Black: 1.1%
Hispanic: 0.3%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 95.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.4%

Location

Mountain Home sits in north-central Arkansas, about 130 miles north of Little Rock and 45 miles south of the Missouri border. The campus serves 920 students in a town-remote setting among the Ozark Mountains. This region draws visitors for its lakes, including nearby Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake, making it popular for fishing and water recreation. The area maintains a rural character with outdoor tourism as a key economic driver. In-state students make up 95% of enrollment, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce training center. The Ozarks setting provides a quiet environment focused on career preparation rather than traditional college social life. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Arkansas State University-Mountain Home with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,238
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,231
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home?

As a community college, Arkansas State University-Mountain Home maintains open enrollment policies for most programs. The school serves 920 students primarily from Arkansas, with 95.18% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local workforce training and transfer preparation.

How much does Arkansas State University-Mountain Home cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,659 annually after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $3,168. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $8,311 net price. Graduates typically leave with manageable debt of $10,500 and monthly loan payments of $111.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in career-focused programs. With 63.80% of students being women, the school has built a strong reputation for nursing and healthcare training. The intimate class sizes support hands-on learning in technical fields.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Arkansas State University-Mountain Home?

Graduates achieve a strong 92.0% employment rate, with median earnings of $34,238 ten years after graduation. The school's workforce training programs prepare students for immediate employment in north-central Arkansas. Recent graduates start with median earnings of $31,490 in their first year.

Where is Arkansas State University-Mountain Home located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Mountain Home, a remote town setting that offers a close-knit community atmosphere. With only 67 total athletes competing in 2 varsity sports through NCCAA, the focus remains on academics rather than athletics. The Trailblazers nickname reflects the school's role in pioneering career paths for rural Arkansas students.

Does Arkansas State University-Mountain Home offer good value for career training?

The college excels at providing affordable workforce preparation with 43.38% of students receiving Pell Grants. Half of students complete their programs within six years, earning credentials that lead directly to employment. The school's mission centers on practical skills training rather than traditional four-year degree preparation.