At $5,200/yr net price, Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas graduates earn $33,775/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,200 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,775/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-225/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,122/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,297/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,264/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,245/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 | $55,964 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $27,281 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $26,585 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $14,230 |
The Risk Factor
48.0% of students at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas 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
Cossatot Community College delivers solid returns for students pursuing healthcare careers but falls short in other programs. At $5,200 annually, the school costs less than most alternatives, making it financially accessible for southwestern Arkansas residents.
Your program choice determines everything here. Registered nursing graduates earn $55,964 within ten years, turning a $10,400 investment into strong lifetime returns. Allied health programs also pay off well at $48,432. These healthcare tracks justify the tuition cost and align with regional hospital demand.
Other programs present weaker value propositions. Precision metalworking graduates earn just $27,281, barely above the state median for high school graduates. Multi-interdisciplinary studies pays even less at $26,585, questioning whether the degree adds meaningful earning power.
The 48% graduation rate creates significant risk. Nearly half of students leave without credentials, wasting time and money. This rate particularly matters given that many students here rely on financial aid to cover costs.
You should consider Cossatot if you live locally and want nursing or allied health training without relocating. The nursing program reputation opens doors at regional medical facilities. However, look elsewhere if you want broader career options or stronger academic support systems.
Financial aid reaches only 35% of students, suggesting most pay out of pocket. This works in your favor if you qualify for aid, as competition appears limited. The low sticker price means you can likely graduate debt-free by working part-time, especially important given the mixed earning outcomes across programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas worth the cost?
At $5,200 per year, Cossatot offers decent value if you choose the right program. Nursing graduates earn $55,964 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but other programs lead to much lower earnings.
What programs at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $55,964 per year. Allied health programs also pay well at $48,432, while general studies leads to only $26,585 annually.
How much debt will I have after attending Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas?
With a net price of $5,200 per year, total debt stays relatively low for a two-year degree. The bigger concern is the 48% graduation rate, meaning many students don't finish their programs.
Do Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas graduates find good jobs?
It depends entirely on your program choice. Nursing and allied health graduates do well, but the overall average earnings of $33,775 after 10 years is modest even for Arkansas standards.