At $6,855/yr net price, Carl Albert State College graduates earn $34,117/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $117/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,855 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,117/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$117/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 234.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,362 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,351/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,502/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,624/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,921/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,733 | $10,875 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $22,329 | $7,642 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $20,388 | $8,324 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Certificate | $18,087 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Carl Albert State College 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
Carl Albert State College runs on a familiar community college split: one set of programs pays off, and most don't. Median earnings ten years out sit at $34,117, which barely clears what you'd make without a degree. Debt is low at $9,362, so the downside is limited, but the upside depends almost entirely on which program you pick.
The health programs are the reason to enroll here. Allied Health and Medical Assisting and the associate nursing program both clear $52,000, more than double what the general Health Services associate ($22,329) and Business Administration associate ($20,388) return. Nursing carries slightly more debt at $10,875, but against a $52,733 median that's easy money to pay back. If you can get into nursing or medical assisting, the math works cleanly.
Everything else is a warning. Business Administration graduates earn about $20,000, and the general Health Services track isn't much better at $22,329. These programs cost you the same net price and time but leave you near where you started. If you enroll expecting a business or general health credential to move your income, the numbers say it won't.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $48k, you pay around $6,400 a year. jump to the $75-110k bracket and it more than doubles to $11,921. For a middle-income family, that's a real cost against a school where the median earnings outcome is modest.
This school fits you if you want a specific health credential and live in the Poteau region where those jobs exist. A 41% graduation rate is the other risk: finishing isn't guaranteed, and a partial run still costs you. If you're not aiming at nursing or allied health, look for a program with a clearer payoff before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carl Albert State College worth the money?
Carl Albert State College offers strong value for healthcare programs, with nursing and allied health graduates earning $52,000-53,000 annually against low debt of around $9,362. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and non-healthcare programs show much lower earning potential.
What programs at Carl Albert State College have the best return on investment?
Allied health and nursing programs at Carl Albert State College deliver the strongest ROI, with graduates earning over $50,000 annually. Business and human development programs show significantly lower returns, with graduates earning around $18,000-20,000 per year.
How much debt do Carl Albert State College graduates typically have?
Carl Albert State College graduates leave with a median debt of $9,362, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The manageable debt load makes the school's healthcare programs particularly attractive financially.
What are the career earnings after graduating from Carl Albert State College?
Carl Albert State College graduates earn a median of $34,117 ten years after enrollment. However, this varies dramatically by program, with healthcare graduates earning $50,000+ while other fields average closer to $20,000.