At $16,929/yr net price, Henderson State University graduates earn $43,459/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,459/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,929 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,459/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,459/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,236/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,087/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,426/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,869/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,082/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,559 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $34,420 | $17,512 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $24,978 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $31,305 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $30,409 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $16,750 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $21,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $25,580 | $22,500 |
The Risk Factor
38.0% of students at Henderson State University 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
Henderson State's financial picture is weak. You'd graduate earning a median of $43,459 after ten years, but only 38% of students finish at all, and just 59% come back for a second year. That retention number matters more than any salary figure: if you leave with debt and no degree, none of the earnings data applies to you.
The listed bachelor's programs pay poorly even when they work. Teacher education tops the earnings list, but you'd carry over $25,000 in debt against a starting-level salary under $40,000. Business and accounting come in lower on pay but with lighter debt loads, which makes them the safer bets here. Psychology is the worst combination shown: the lowest earnings and no real cushion between what you owe and what you'll make. If you're set on teaching in Arkansas, the debt-to-pay ratio is tight enough that you should count on years of slow repayment.
The net price tiers hold a specific trap. Families earning under $48,000 pay around $15,000 a year, but the $48,000-$75,000 bracket pays the most of anyone, about $19,400. If your family sits in the lower-middle range, you get squeezed harder than families earning over $110,000. Run your own net price before assuming aid scales with need here, because it doesn't.
This school fits you if you're in-state, paying the lower-income net price, and heading into business, accounting, or a teaching job you already have lined up. Look elsewhere if you'd be borrowing heavily, if you're unsure you'll finish, or if you expect a degree here to lift you well above $43,000. The graduation and retention numbers make Henderson State a gamble unless your path through it is short and specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henderson State University worth the cost?
Henderson State University's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $43,459 ten years after enrollment while carrying typical debt of $19,500. The low 38% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree but may still have debt.
What are the highest paying majors at Henderson State University?
Business/Commerce graduates from Henderson State earn around $42,682 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Education majors typically earn $32,000-38,000, which is low considering the degree requirements for teaching positions.
How much debt do Henderson State University graduates typically have?
Henderson State graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $43,459, graduates spend about 45% of their income on loan payments using standard repayment terms.
Does Henderson State University have good financial aid?
Henderson State's net price of $16,929 per year is relatively affordable for a four-year degree. The school appears to provide decent financial aid, though the low graduation rate suggests many students still struggle to complete their programs.