At $11,442/yr net price, National Park College graduates earn $32,444/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,442 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,768 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,444/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,556/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,037/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,332/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,805/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,449/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 | $53,045 | $15,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,696 | $9,806 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,312 | $9,460 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,305 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $28,598 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 | $11,500 |
The Risk Factor
36.0% of students at National Park 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
National Park College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing programs represent the school's strongest ROI opportunity, with registered nurses earning over $53,000 annually despite higher debt loads of $15,250. Allied health programs also perform well, generating nearly $46,000 in median earnings with manageable debt under $10,000.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial case here. Computer science graduates earn over $42,000, while criminal justice majors see earnings barely above $31,000. The 36% graduation rate signals completion risk that you need to factor into your calculations, particularly if you struggle with academic persistence.
The $11,442 annual net price keeps total costs reasonable for a career change or skills upgrade, but the relatively low median earnings of $32,444 across all programs means many graduates will need years to see positive returns. Healthcare-focused students get the best deal, while liberal arts or general studies paths offer questionable financial value.
This school works best for local students targeting specific healthcare careers or those needing flexible scheduling for workforce development. The Hot Springs job market supports healthcare and tourism services but offers limited opportunities for other fields. If you can complete a nursing or allied health program, the ROI justifies the investment. For other majors, consider whether the low graduation rate and modest earnings prospects align with your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National Park College worth the money?
National Park College offers decent value for career-focused programs like nursing, which pays around $53,000 annually. However, the overall graduate earnings of $32,444 after 10 years barely exceed what many high school graduates earn, making it a risky investment for non-healthcare programs.
What are the best paying programs at National Park College?
Registered nursing programs at National Park College lead to the highest earnings at $53,045 annually, followed by allied health at $45,696. Criminal justice graduates earn only $31,305, which is below the school's overall graduate average.
How much debt do National Park College students graduate with?
National Park College graduates have a median debt of $10,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. With nursing graduates earning $53,000, this debt load is manageable for healthcare programs but concerning for lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at National Park College?
Only 36% of students graduate from National Park College. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their programs, significantly increasing the financial risk of enrollment.