At $5,719/yr net price, NorthWest Arkansas Community College graduates earn $43,505/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,505/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,719 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,505/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,505/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,506 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,080/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,729/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,432/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,260/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,240/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 | $50,356 | $13,938 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,993 | $10,374 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,615 | $8,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
27.3% of students at NorthWest Arkansas Community 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
NorthWest Arkansas Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths, but your program choice makes all the difference. The $5,719 annual cost creates manageable debt loads, with most graduates owing under $10,000.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, generating $50,356 in median earnings despite carrying slightly higher debt at $13,938. Allied health programs also perform well at $41,937 annually. Computer science graduates earn $36,848, offering decent returns in Northwest Arkansas's growing tech sector anchored by Walmart's headquarters and other corporate presence.
Business programs show weaker returns at $33,993, barely justifying even the low debt load of $10,374. Design and applied arts programs struggle significantly, with $28,598 earnings that may not support comfortable debt repayment in this region's limited creative economy.
The 27% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. If you're not committed to finishing, the investment becomes a pure loss.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting healthcare or technical fields with clear job pipelines in Northwest Arkansas. The regional job market strongly supports nursing and allied health graduates, while tech opportunities continue expanding. Avoid this school if you're exploring liberal arts or creative fields where the regional job market offers limited opportunities.
With only 20% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the low sticker price. The minimal debt loads mean you won't need extensive scholarship hunting, but completing your program becomes critical to realizing any return on your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NorthWest Arkansas Community College worth the cost?
At $5,719 per year with median earnings of $43,505 after 10 years, NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers reasonable value for a two-year degree. The low cost and manageable debt of $9,506 make it financially accessible, though the 27% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the highest paying programs at NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
Registered Nursing leads at $50,356 annually, followed by Allied Health programs at $41,937. Computer Science graduates earn $36,848, while Business and Design programs pay significantly less at $33,993 and $28,598 respectively.
How much debt do NorthWest Arkansas Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $9,506 in debt, which is manageable given the low annual cost of $5,719. This debt level is reasonable for most career outcomes, especially in nursing and allied health fields.
What is the graduation rate at NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
Only 27% of students graduate, which is low even for community colleges. This means many students leave without completing their programs, potentially limiting their earning potential and career advancement.