At $4,396/yr net price, Ozarka College graduates earn $29,314/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,396 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,584 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,314/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,686/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,818 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,769/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,231/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,373/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $1,795/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 | $52,733 | $9,384 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $24,421 | $9,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $22,192 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
43.6% of students at Ozarka College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Ozarka College delivers strong financial value for students pursuing specific career-focused programs, but your choice of major makes all the difference. The school's $4,396 annual net price ranks among the most affordable in Arkansas, making it accessible even without substantial financial aid.
The registered nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, with graduates earning $52,733 annually against manageable debt of $9,384. This program essentially pays for itself within two years of graduation. Practical nursing offers a more modest but still reasonable return at $24,421, though you'll need to weigh this against the program's debt load.
Avoid the liberal arts program if financial return matters to you. Graduates earn just $13,702 annually, making it nearly impossible to justify even this school's low costs. The teacher education program also underperforms at $22,192, though some graduates may find personal fulfillment worth the trade-off.
Your biggest risk lies in Ozarka's 43.6% graduation rate. More than half of students leave without completing their programs, wasting both time and money. This risk increases if you're underprepared academically or lack clear career goals.
Ozarka works best for you if you're certain about pursuing nursing or another healthcare career and want minimal debt. The school also suits older students returning to education who need affordable, practical training. Skip Ozarka if you're exploring general education or want a traditional college experience, as you'll find better options elsewhere for those goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ozarka College worth the money?
Ozarka College offers good value for nursing students, with registered nursing graduates earning $52,733 annually against a low net price of $4,396 per year. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Ozarka College?
Registered nursing is by far the best financial choice at Ozarka College, with graduates earning $52,733 per year. Other programs like liberal arts ($13,702) and teacher education ($22,192) offer much lower earning potential.
How much debt do Ozarka College graduates have?
Ozarka College graduates leave with a median debt of $9,818, which is manageable for nursing graduates but could be problematic for lower-earning programs. The low annual cost helps keep debt levels reasonable.
Should I avoid Ozarka College if I'm not studying nursing?
Non-nursing programs at Ozarka College generally offer poor financial returns, with liberal arts graduates earning just $13,702 annually. Consider other options unless you have specific career goals that don't require higher earnings.