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 gives you a low-cost path with a real payoff if you pick the right program. Median debt sits near $8,000, one of the lightest loads you'll find, and you can graduate owing less than a single year of the net price. The financial return is decent for a two-year public school, but it hinges entirely on your major.
Nursing is where the money is. The associate degree in registered nursing pays over $52,000 a decade out, the strongest outcome here and enough to clear the $11,000 in debt it carries quickly. Two certificates also punch above their weight: ground transportation clears $50,000 and electrical power transmission runs above $40,000, both with no listed debt. These are trade and health tracks tied directly to jobs in the region.
The weaker end is still healthcare, oddly. Practical nursing and allied health certificates land in the low $30,000s. They cost little and carry modest debt, so they're not disasters, but they won't move you far past the school's overall median. If you enroll expecting one of those to be a ticket to strong earnings, adjust your expectations.
The main risk is the 42% graduation rate. More than half of students don't finish, and a program only pays off if you complete it. Money spent without a credential is money lost.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay around $8,000. families over $110,000 pay closer to $14,000. That's an unusual spread that keeps this school cheapest for those who have the least.
This is a good fit if you want nursing, a licensed trade, or a low-debt on-ramp before transferring. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's-level program, since none are listed here.
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.