At $9,730/yr net price, Arkansas State University-Newport graduates earn $41,524/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,524/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,730 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,524/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,524/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,002 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,061/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,628/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,951/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,417/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,991/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 | $52,733 | $11,102 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $50,000 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $40,593 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,843 | $8,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $32,162 | $6,306 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,045 | $6,250 |
The Risk Factor
42.4% of students at Arkansas State University-Newport 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-Newport delivers solid financial returns for a two-year college, with median earnings of $41,524 and relatively low debt loads. The $9,730 annual net price keeps total educational costs manageable for most students.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Registered nursing graduates earn $52,733 annually, making it the clear financial winner despite carrying $11,102 in debt. Ground transportation also pays well at $50,000, while electrical and power transmission work provides steady middle-class earnings at $40,593. These programs align well with Arkansas's energy and healthcare sectors.
The weaker choices are practical nursing at $32,843 and allied health programs at $32,162. While these fields offer job security, the earnings barely justify even the modest debt loads when you factor in opportunity costs.
The 42% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for better-paying work. The college works best for career-focused students who know exactly what they want and can commit to completing their program.
Financial aid reaches 41% of students, suggesting decent support for those who qualify. The low sticker price means you won't need massive aid packages to make this school affordable. This makes ASU-Newport a smart choice if you want practical job training without the debt burden of a four-year degree, particularly in nursing or skilled trades. Avoid it if you're uncertain about your career direction or considering programs with weak earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas State University-Newport worth the cost?
With a net price of $9,730 and median earnings of $41,524 ten years after graduation, Arkansas State University-Newport offers reasonable value for career-focused programs. The low median debt of $8,002 reduces financial risk, though the 42% graduation rate indicates many students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Arkansas State University-Newport?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $52,733 annually, making it the top-paying program at Arkansas State University-Newport. Ground transportation and electrical power transmission programs also offer solid returns at $50,000 and $40,593 respectively.
How much debt do Arkansas State University-Newport graduates have?
Arkansas State University-Newport graduates carry a median debt of just $8,002, which is significantly lower than national averages. This manageable debt load makes the school a lower-risk option for students pursuing technical and healthcare careers.
Does Arkansas State University-Newport have a good graduation rate?
Arkansas State University-Newport has a 42% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. This completion rate is concerning and suggests students should carefully consider their commitment level and program choice before enrolling.