Arkansas State University Three Rivers: $3,568 Tuition

$3,568Tuition

514Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,374Earnings

#25 in ArkansasPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Arkansas State University Three Rivers

Arkansas State University Three Rivers serves 514 students in the small town of Malvern, focusing on career-ready programs that get graduates into the workforce quickly. This community college builds on a foundation established in 1969, preparing students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions. The student-faculty ratio of 13:1 means professors know their students personally. Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for Arkansas families. Students pay an average net price of $7,520 after aid, making this one of the state's most affordable college options. Graduates earn a median of $37,374 ten years after starting, while carrying just $10,250 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $109 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Only 14% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families who earn too much for need-based aid but still need affordable education.

The college's 93% employment rate demonstrates its job-focused mission works. With 100% in-state enrollment, Three Rivers serves as Arkansas's own pathway to middle-class careers without the burden of crushing debt.

Academics & Faculty

Arkansas State University Three Rivers serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable career training and transfer preparation. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes, though the 34.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. This two-year institution focuses on workforce development programs that prepare students for immediate employment in healthcare, business, and technical fields. Students can also complete general education requirements for transfer to four-year universities. The college emphasizes practical skills training that connects directly to regional job markets, helping graduates achieve a 93.1% employment rate after completing their programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 57.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,374

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,108
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$47,260

View all 41 programs →

Campus Life

Arkansas State University Three Rivers sits in Malvern, a town of about 10,000 people roughly 45 minutes southwest of Little Rock. The 514-student campus operates on a tight-knit community college model where you'll likely recognize most faces by semester's end. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and track your progress personally.

The campus doesn't offer residence halls, so all students commute from the surrounding area. Women make up 64.4% of enrollment, creating a female-heavy environment in classrooms and study groups. Hot Springs National Park lies just 20 minutes north, offering weekend hiking and lake activities when Arkansas's humid summers and mild winters permit. You'll need both sunscreen for lengthy outdoor periods and a light jacket for winter months that rarely see snow.

With only 42 total athletes across two varsity sports, the competitive scene stays low-key. Most students balance coursework with jobs or family responsibilities since 100% are Arkansas residents. The small size means limited campus events, but the tight community often organizes informal gatherings and study sessions.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1969

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–51°F
July Avg: 70°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 57.5"
Annual Snowfall: 1.2"

Student Demographics

Arkansas State University Three Rivers draws from the local Hot Spring County community, with every student coming from Arkansas. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the enrollment of 514 students, reflecting the school's strong nursing and allied health programs. The student body is predominantly white with a significant Black population that mirrors the region's demographics. Only 14% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college serves working-class families rather than the lowest-income students. This small community college functions as an educational anchor for residents seeking career training close to home.

Men: 35.6%
Women: 64.4%
White: 66.0%
Black: 24.5%
Hispanic: 5.1%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.9%

Location

Arkansas State University Three Rivers sits in Malvern, a small town about 50 miles southwest of Little Rock. The campus serves a completely in-state student body of 514 students in this rural Arkansas community. Malvern sits in the Ouachita Mountains foothills, known for its brick manufacturing and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town-fringe setting provides a quiet environment where students can focus on their studies with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The area offers access to nearby Hot Springs National Park and Lake Ouachita for weekend activities. Small-town Arkansas living means lower costs, with in-state tuition at just $3,568. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Arkansas State University Three Rivers with similar schools in the region.

Address: Malvern, Arkansas 72104-0816

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,374
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,496
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $109/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment size at Arkansas State University Three Rivers?

Arkansas State University Three Rivers enrolls 514 students, making it a small community college where everyone knows each other. The student body is 64% women and draws entirely from Arkansas residents. This intimate size allows for personalized attention in career-focused programs.

How much does Arkansas State University Three Rivers cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,520 per year at Arkansas State University Three Rivers. In-state tuition starts at just $3,568, though only 14% of students receive financial aid. The low sticker price reflects the school's mission to provide affordable workforce training to local communities.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Arkansas State University Three Rivers?

Arkansas State University Three Rivers maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes typical of community colleges. The school focuses on hands-on learning for technical and healthcare careers. Faculty often bring real-world industry experience to their teaching.

What are the employment outcomes for Arkansas State University Three Rivers graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market demand for the school's programs. The median earnings reach $37,374 ten years after graduation, reflecting successful career placement in growing fields. However, the 35% six-year completion rate shows that finishing programs requires dedication and persistence.

Where is Arkansas State University Three Rivers located?

The campus sits in Malvern, Arkansas, a town-fringe setting that combines small-town community feel with access to larger markets. Founded in 1969, the school serves the Hot Spring County area with practical career training. The location provides affordable living costs while students complete their programs.

Does Arkansas State University Three Rivers offer athletics?

The school fields just 2 varsity sports with 42 total student-athletes competing in NCCAA athletics. Athletic scholarships total $27,250 across all sports, providing modest support for student-athletes. The limited athletics program reflects the school's primary focus on career preparation rather than sports.