At $13,085/yr net price, Arkansas State University graduates earn $42,617/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,617/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,085 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,340 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,617/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,617/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,806/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,300/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,092/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,587/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,431/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. | Master | $135,614 | $61,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,422 | $65,000 |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $61,516 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,124 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,142 | $21,222 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $58,131 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 | $25,501 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $56,544 | $22,593 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $54,996 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,766 | $15,750 |
The Risk Factor
55.1% of students at Arkansas State University 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 gives you a moderate financial return that depends heavily on your major. The median graduate earns about $42,600 ten years out, which lands close to the school-wide net price and debt figures but leaves little cushion if you finish in a low-paying field. With a 55% graduation rate, nearly half of you won't finish in a way the six-year data captures, and dropping out with debt is the worst outcome here.
Your major decides everything. Mechanical engineering, general engineering, and nursing all clear $58,000, roughly $16,000 above the median graduate. Civil engineering and computer and information sciences follow close behind. Nursing pairs strong pay with debt near $21,000, so it carries its cost well. If you pick one of these five programs, the math works in your favor. If you enroll in a field not on this list, expect earnings closer to the $42,600 median, and weigh that against your borrowing before you commit.
The main risk is the gap between the top programs and everything else. This is an engineering-and-nursing payoff story. the school's overall earnings number sits well below what those flagship majors produce. A 78% retention rate means one in five of you leaves after the first year, and that early exit is where debt without a degree happens.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families: under $30,000 income puts your cost near $9,800, while families over $110,000 pay about $17,400. If you're coming from a lower-income household and aiming at engineering, nursing, or computer science, this is a solid financial fit. If you're paying the top tier for a major outside those fields, look harder at whether the earnings justify it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas State University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Arkansas State University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $13,085 per year, but graduates earn only $42,617 after 10 years, which is below the national average. The school's 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Arkansas State University?
Nursing programs lead Arkansas State University's earnings with graduates making up to $135,614, followed by rehabilitation professions at $68,422. Most other programs produce significantly lower earnings, so choosing your major carefully matters for ROI.
How much student debt do Arkansas State University graduates typically have?
Arkansas State University graduates leave with a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $42,617, graduates may still struggle to pay off loans quickly.
Should I choose Arkansas State University if I'm concerned about job prospects?
Arkansas State University's 69% acceptance rate and below-average graduate earnings suggest limited selectivity and career outcomes. The school works best for students pursuing high-paying programs like nursing or those who need an affordable local option.