At $10,146/yr net price, North Arkansas College graduates earn $34,653/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $653/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,146 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,584 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,653/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$653/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 62.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,508/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,605/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,061/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,426/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,414/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 | $51,106 | $9,215 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,526 | $6,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $32,391 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $28,598 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,899 | $7,075 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $20,140 | $12,986 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $19,455 |
The Risk Factor
29.1% of students at North Arkansas 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
North Arkansas College offers weak overall returns with median graduate earnings of just $34,653 after 10 years, but nursing programs provide the clear exception to an otherwise disappointing financial picture.
Your best bet here is the Registered Nursing program, which produces graduates earning $51,106 annually with manageable debt of $9,215. This creates a strong payoff that justifies the investment. The Allied Health Diagnostic program also delivers decent returns at $36,848, though specific debt data isn't available. Even Practical Nursing graduates earn $34,526 with lower debt of $6,500, making it a solid choice for quick workforce entry.
Everything else presents financial problems. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates earn just $32,391, while Ground Transportation completers make only $29,685. With such weak earning potential, you risk years of payments for minimal career advancement.
The 29% graduation rate creates major risk regardless of your program choice. Seven out of 10 students leave without completing their degree, meaning you face high odds of accumulating debt with no credential to show for it.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing nursing or allied health and confident you'll complete your program. The low net price of $10,146 helps, and with median debt of just $9,000, you won't face crushing loan payments even in lower-paying fields.
Skip North Arkansas College if you're considering general studies, transportation, or other non-health programs. The combination of weak earnings and poor completion rates makes these pathways financially risky. You're better served at institutions with stronger graduation rates and more diverse high-paying program options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Arkansas College worth the cost?
North Arkansas College offers good value for specific career-focused programs, especially nursing degrees that lead to $51,000+ salaries. However, the 29% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which hurts overall ROI.
What programs at North Arkansas College have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs provide the strongest returns at North Arkansas College, with graduates earning around $51,000 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $36,800, while general studies and transportation programs offer lower earning potential.
How much debt do North Arkansas College graduates have?
North Arkansas College graduates typically leave with $9,000 in debt, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The manageable debt load helps offset the modest $34,653 average earnings after 10 years.
Does North Arkansas College have a good graduation rate?
North Arkansas College has a 29% graduation rate, which is concerning for ROI since most students don't finish their programs. Students should have clear career goals and strong study habits before enrolling.