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 gives you a modest but real payoff, and the difference between programs is stark. Your median graduate earns about $34,653 ten years out, but that number hides a split: nursing pulls the whole school up while everything else drags it down. If you finish the registered nursing associate degree, you clear $51,106 a year , roughly $17,000 more than the median graduate and enough to make the sub-$10,000 debt load trivial to pay off. That one program is the clearest financial win here.
The picture gets weak fast outside health care. Allied health lands near $37,000, and the practical nursing certificate around $34,500 on just $6,500 of debt, which is a decent return for a short credential. But the interdisciplinary studies associate degree at $32,391 and the ground transportation certificate at $29,685 barely beat what you might earn without the college at all. These are not degrees to borrow heavily for.
The biggest risk here is the 29% graduation rate. Seven in ten starters don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, the nursing math above never reaches you. The low $9,000 median debt only stays low if you complete on time.
Watch the net price tiers, because they invert what you'd expect. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay the least , around $8,600 to $9,500. But once you cross $48,000, the price jumps to $11,000 and then over $14,000 above $75,000, with no break at the very top. Middle and higher-income families here pay the most.
This school fits you if you're aiming for nursing and can commit to finishing. If your target is a general associate degree or a non-health certificate, run the earnings numbers hard before you enroll.
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.