At $9,659/yr net price, Arkansas State University-Mountain Home graduates earn $34,238/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $238/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,659 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,238/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$238/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 162.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,311/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,492/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,008/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,070/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,276/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $47,260 | $14,919 |
| 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 | $12,450 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $16,015 |
The Risk Factor
50.0% of students at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home 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-Mountain Home offers weak financial returns for most programs, with median earnings of $34,238 barely justifying even its low $9,659 annual cost. The nursing program stands out as the clear exception, delivering $47,260 in median earnings that make the $14,919 debt load reasonable for healthcare career prospects in rural Arkansas.
Your program choice determines everything at this school. Nursing graduates earn more than double what business majors make ($16,015), while health services and information studies programs produce modest returns around $21,000-24,000. The 50% graduation rate means half of students leave without credentials, making program completion your biggest financial risk.
This school works financially if you need nursing training close to home in north-central Arkansas, where healthcare jobs remain stable. The low debt levels across programs reduce your downside risk compared to four-year schools. However, you should look elsewhere if you want strong earning potential outside healthcare or plan to transfer credits to a four-year program.
With 43% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly to minimize living expenses in Mountain Home's lower-cost market. The school's value proposition centers entirely on affordable nursing education for regional employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas State University-Mountain Home worth the cost?
With a net price of $9,659 and median earnings of $34,238 ten years after graduation, ASU-Mountain Home offers decent value for in-state students. The nursing programs provide the strongest return on investment, while general business and liberal arts programs show weaker earning potential.
What are the best paying programs at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home?
Registered Nursing leads with median earnings of $47,260, making it the clear financial winner at ASU-Mountain Home. Health sciences programs earn around $24,000, while business and liberal arts graduates typically earn much less at $16,000-21,000.
How much debt do Arkansas State University-Mountain Home graduates have?
The median debt load is $10,500, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year universities. However, with a 50% graduation rate, half of students don't finish their programs.
Should I attend Arkansas State University-Mountain Home for a business degree?
Business graduates from ASU-Mountain Home earn a median of just $16,015, which barely covers the annual cost of attendance. Consider the nursing program instead if you want better earning potential from this school.