At $6,235/yr net price, South Arkansas College graduates earn $34,521/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $521/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,235 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,521/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$521/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 47.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,153 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,824/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,550/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,693/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,138/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $45,696 | $10,885 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,314 |
The Risk Factor
24.8% of students at South 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
South Arkansas College delivers strong returns if you pick the right program, but weak outcomes dominate most of the school. The $6,235 annual net price keeps debt manageable, but the 25% graduation rate means three out of four students leave without credentials.
Allied health programs offer the clearest path to solid earnings. Medical assisting graduates earn $52,107 annually, while registered nursing graduates make $45,696 with only $10,885 in debt. These healthcare tracks justify your investment given El Dorado's proximity to regional medical centers and Arkansas's growing healthcare sector.
Most other programs struggle to deliver returns above the $34,521 median. The third-highest earning program in allied health diagnostics pays just $31,314, barely above the statewide average for high school graduates. Liberal arts and general studies programs, which enroll many students at community colleges, likely produce even weaker earnings.
Your biggest financial risk is not finishing. The low graduation rate suggests academic support may be limited, and dropping out leaves you with debt but no degree. If you need extensive remedial coursework or lack strong study habits, consider whether you can succeed here.
South Arkansas College works financially if you target healthcare programs and can handle the academic demands. The school serves students seeking affordable nursing or medical assisting training who plan to work locally. Skip this school if you want broad career options, need extensive student support, or plan to transfer to a four-year university where the low graduation rate suggests poor preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Arkansas College worth the cost?
South Arkansas College offers good value with a low net price of $6,235 per year and modest debt levels around $11,153. However, the 25% graduation rate is concerning and typical earnings of $34,521 after 10 years are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at South Arkansas College?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs lead with median earnings of $52,107, followed by nursing programs at $45,696. These healthcare programs offer significantly better returns than the school's overall graduate earnings of $34,521.
How much debt do South Arkansas College graduates typically have?
Graduates typically leave with $11,153 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low net price of $6,235 per year helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at South Arkansas College?
Only 25% of students graduate from South Arkansas College. This low completion rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a credential, making program selection and academic preparation especially important.