At $5,420/yr net price, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas graduates earn $29,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,420 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,448/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,078/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,199/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,100/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,970/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 | $59,846 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,094 |
The Risk Factor
51.6% of students at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas 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
Phillips Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, generating median earnings of nearly $60,000 annually that justify the low $5,420 net price within two years of graduation.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial equation here. Nursing graduates earn 2.7 times more than those in liberal arts and general studies, who face earnings of just $22,094 that barely exceed what many high school graduates earn. The stark difference means nursing students get strong ROI while liberal arts students may struggle to see meaningful financial benefit from their degree.
The 51.6% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This completion challenge amplifies the importance of choosing a program with clear career pathways like nursing rather than general studies.
Phillips works best financially for students committed to healthcare careers, particularly nursing. The program's strong earning potential and the regional demand for healthcare workers in Arkansas create solid job prospects. Students interested in general education or undecided majors face weaker financial prospects and should consider whether the investment makes sense.
With only 35.9% of students receiving financial aid, many pay the full net price. The low sticker price means most students can afford attendance through part-time work or minimal borrowing, reducing debt risk. Students should prioritize completing their chosen program quickly to maximize ROI and minimize opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas worth the cost?
Phillips Community College offers a low net price at $5,420 annually, but graduates earn only $29,552 ten years later. The nursing programs provide better returns with earnings around $59,846, while liberal arts graduates average just $22,094.
What are the best paying programs at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas?
Registered Nursing and related nursing programs at Phillips Community College lead to the highest earnings at nearly $60,000 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs result in much lower earnings around $22,000.
How much debt do Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas graduates typically have?
With a net price of $5,420 per year, Phillips Community College students face relatively low debt compared to four-year schools. However, the low graduate earnings of $29,552 can still make repayment challenging for many programs outside of nursing.
What is the graduation rate at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas?
Phillips Community College has a 51.6% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate affects the return on investment since non-graduates still face debt without the credential.