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 keeps costs low, and that is the main thing working in your favor. At just over $6,000 a year in net price and about $11,000 in median debt, your downside is small even if the payoff is modest. The median graduate earns $34,521 after ten years, which is not a strong return on its own, but the low borrowing means you are unlikely to end up buried.
The health programs are where the math actually works. Allied Health and Medical Assisting graduates clear over $50,000, and Registered Nursing pays in the mid-$40,000s while carrying below-average debt. If you come here for nursing or medical assisting, you are getting associate-level credentials that lead to real regional jobs at a price you can pay off fast. The Allied Health Diagnostic track lags well behind at $31,314, closer to the school's overall median, so the health label alone does not guarantee a strong result.
The biggest risk is finishing. Fewer than one in four students graduates. If you enroll and drop out, you carry the cost without the credential that makes these programs worth it. That completion gap is the single number that should shape your decision.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay less than $6,000 a year. above $110,000, that climbs past $12,000. Middle and higher-income families lose much of the affordability edge that makes this school attractive.
This is a good financial fit if you are targeting nursing or medical assisting, live in the El Dorado area, and can commit to finishing. If you want a broad academic path or a four-year degree, the low earnings and low graduation rate mean you should look elsewhere.
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.