Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,993 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,972 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 6.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,940/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,585/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,043/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,169 | $24,813 |
The Risk Factor
6.7% of students at Shorter 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
Shorter College's numbers are hard to read as anything but a bad financial bet. You'll pay around $13,000 a year net, and the one program with reported earnings , an associate degree in Liberal Arts and General Studies , leads to about $16,169 a year. That's roughly what full-time work at a low hourly wage pays, and it barely clears the cost of a single year here.
The 6.70% graduation rate is the biggest risk you face. The overwhelming majority of students who enroll do not finish, which means most of the money spent here buys credits, not a credential. If you leave without the degree, you still owe whatever you borrowed, and the median debt sits at $29,500 , nearly double the annual earnings tied to the only program on record.
Debt is the specific danger. Borrowing $29,500 against a $16,000 salary leaves you with payments that eat a large share of your take-home pay for years. There is no bachelor-level program data here to point you toward a higher-earning path, so you should not count on the associate degree as a step to something more lucrative unless you already have a concrete transfer plan elsewhere.
The net price barely moves across income tiers , families earning under $30,000 pay about $12,940, and those earning $48,000-$75,000 pay slightly more. Lower income does not meaningfully lower your cost here, so plan for the full sticker in your budgeting.
This school makes financial sense only if you can attend at very low or no out-of-pocket cost, avoid loans entirely, and have a clear reason to be here beyond earnings. If you need a degree that pays back borrowed money, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shorter College worth the cost compared to other Arkansas schools?
Shorter College has a concerning 6.7% graduation rate and median debt of $29,500, making it a high-risk investment. Most students don't finish their degree, yet still accumulate significant debt.
What is the ROI for Shorter College graduates?
With most programs leading to earnings around $16,000 and a median debt load of $29,500, graduates face negative ROI for years after leaving. The extremely low graduation rate means most students pay tuition without completing a degree.
Which programs at Shorter College have the best job prospects?
Liberal Arts and General Studies are the main programs, but they typically lead to starting salaries around $16,000. These low earnings make it difficult to justify the debt burden, especially given the school's poor completion rates.
Should I attend Shorter College if I need financial aid?
The net price of $12,993 per year is relatively affordable, but the 6.7% graduation rate means financial aid often goes toward an incomplete education. Consider community college or schools with higher completion rates for better value.