At $6,053/yr net price, Black River Technical College graduates earn $34,818/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $818/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,053 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,818/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$818/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 29.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,070/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,082/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,670/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,393/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 | $55,547 | $12,931 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $29,141 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $25,967 | $10,018 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $22,329 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $21,850 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,561 | $8,615 |
The Risk Factor
33.6% of students at Black River Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Black River Technical College delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. At $6,053 per year, the cost is manageable, but your choice of major will determine whether you see meaningful earnings growth.
Nursing graduates earn $55,547 annually, making this program the clear financial winner despite carrying $12,931 in debt. Allied health diagnostic programs also show decent returns at $32,925. However, precision metalworking, automotive repair, and interdisciplinary studies leave graduates earning well below Arkansas averages, with vehicle maintenance graduates making just $22,329 annually.
The 33.6% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Two out of three students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This makes program selection critical since you cannot afford to switch majors multiple times.
Black River works best if you are certain about pursuing nursing or allied health careers and can commit to completing your program. The rural Arkansas location means fewer alternative job opportunities if your chosen field does not work out. Skip this school if you are undecided about your career path or interested in programs outside healthcare.
With 40% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and avoiding unnecessary coursework. The low median debt of $9,500 reflects both the affordable tuition and the reality that many students drop out before accumulating substantial loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black River Technical College worth the cost?
Black River Technical College offers a low net price of $6,053 per year, but graduates earn only $34,818 annually after 10 years. The nursing program provides strong returns at $55,547, while other programs like vehicle repair lead to below-average earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Black River Technical College?
Black River Technical College has a 33.6% graduation rate, meaning about two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate creates significant risk that you may accumulate debt without earning a credential.
Which programs at Black River Technical College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing graduates from Black River Technical College earn $55,547 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI. Allied health programs pay $32,925, while precision metalworking and vehicle repair lead to much lower earnings in the $22,000-29,000 range.
How much student debt do Black River Technical College graduates have?
Black River Technical College graduates leave with a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively manageable. However, with the low graduation rate and modest earnings outside of nursing, many students may struggle to make payments if they don't complete their programs.