At $12,171/yr net price, Arkansas Tech University graduates earn $41,766/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,766/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,171 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,766/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,766/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,146/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,314/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,549/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,398/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,637/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. | Bachelor | $57,955 | $17,650 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $54,974 | $21,953 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,607 | $20,800 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $19,975 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,136 | $26,480 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $45,808 | $16,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $40,222 | $23,551 |
| Education, General. | Master | $38,649 | |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $38,289 | $15,500 |
The Risk Factor
48.7% of students at Arkansas Tech 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 Tech University delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, though your success depends heavily on avoiding the lower-earning majors. With a net price of $12,171 annually and median debt of just $21,000, the school keeps costs reasonable compared to national averages.
Nursing and engineering programs provide the strongest returns at Arkansas Tech. Nursing graduates earn $57,955 annually with only $17,650 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio. Mechanical engineering follows closely at $54,974 with $21,953 in debt. Computer science graduates also fare well at $52,107 yearly with under $20,000 in debt.
The main financial risk lies in Arkansas Tech's 48.7% graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without degrees, making debt without credentials a real concern. The 71% retention rate signals that many students struggle after their first year.
You should consider Arkansas Tech if you plan to major in nursing, engineering, or computer science and can handle the academic demands. The low net price makes it particularly attractive for Arkansas residents seeking technical training. However, you should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want majors outside the school's strong STEM and health programs.
Arkansas Tech offers merit scholarships that can reduce costs further, though only 33.75% of students receive need-based aid. The school's location in rural Arkansas means lower living costs but fewer internship opportunities compared to urban campuses. Your best financial strategy involves choosing one of the high-earning programs and completing your degree within four years to maximize return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas Tech University worth the cost?
Arkansas Tech University offers decent value with a low net price of $12,171 per year and modest debt levels around $21,000. However, graduates earn only $41,766 after 10 years, which limits long-term financial returns compared to other engineering and nursing programs elsewhere.
What are the best paying majors at Arkansas Tech University?
Nursing and mechanical engineering programs at Arkansas Tech University produce the highest earnings, with nursing graduates earning around $53,000-$58,000 annually. Computer science graduates earn about $52,000, while other programs typically pay significantly less.
How much debt do Arkansas Tech University students graduate with?
Arkansas Tech University students graduate with a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low net price of $12,171 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Arkansas Tech University?
Arkansas Tech University has a 48.7% graduation rate, meaning about half of students don't complete their degrees. This below-average completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.