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 works financially if you pick nursing and skip almost everything else. The median graduate earns $34,238 ten years out against $10,500 in debt, which keeps your borrowing manageable but points to modest overall payoff. The 50% graduation rate is the first risk: half of enrollees don't finish, and an unfinished associate degree leaves you with debt and no credential to show for it.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner here. At $47,260, it pays more than double what the next-best associate program returns, and it maps directly onto the rural Arkansas demand for registered nurses. The higher debt attached to it, roughly $14,900, is justified by the earnings. Everything else is weak. Information Science graduates earn $21,508, Liberal Arts and General Studies $21,166, and Business/Commerce just $16,015. Those business earnings sit below what many jobs pay without any degree, and the Liberal Arts track carries $12,450 in debt for a $21,166 return. Treat General Studies as a transfer step, not an endpoint.
Net price is where this school gets tricky. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $8,300 to $8,500 a year. Cross into the $48-75k band and your price jumps to $12,008, then climbs to $14,276 above $110k. Middle-income families see the sharpest increase relative to their income.
This school is a good financial fit if you're committed to the nursing program and plan to work locally. Enroll, finish, and the numbers work. If you're drawn to business or an undecided general studies path, the payoff is thin, and you should compare against transferring to a four-year program or a targeted trade credential before you spend the money.
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.