At $11,185/yr net price, Southeast Arkansas College graduates earn $33,603/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,185 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,603/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-397/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,600 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,217/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,241/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,731/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,376/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $41,565 | $7,000 |
The Risk Factor
18.2% of students at Southeast 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
Southeast Arkansas College delivers weak financial returns with a median earnings outcome of just $33,603 ten years after enrollment and an alarming 18% graduation rate. Your chances of completing a program here are roughly one in five, making this a high-risk investment even at the relatively low net price of $11,185 per year.
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions stands out as the only program worth considering financially, generating $41,565 in median earnings with manageable debt of $7,000. This represents solid career preparation for healthcare support roles in Arkansas's medical sector. Other programs at the college fail to provide clear pathways to middle-class wages.
The low completion rate creates significant financial risk. You could spend money and time without earning any credential, leaving you worse off than when you started. The college serves a student population where 63% receive financial aid, suggesting many students face economic challenges that may contribute to the poor completion statistics.
This college works financially only if you can commit fully to the allied health program and have strong motivation to complete your studies. Students seeking general education, liberal arts, or other career training should look elsewhere. Arkansas community colleges with higher completion rates and stronger job placement records offer better value for your education investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeast Arkansas College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Southeast Arkansas College has a relatively low net price at $11,185 per year, but graduates earn only $33,603 annually after 10 years. The 18% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Southeast Arkansas College have the best return on investment?
Allied Health programs offer the strongest earning potential at $41,565 annually, which is significantly higher than the school's overall graduate earnings of $33,603. These healthcare-focused programs appear to be the main value proposition at this school.
How much debt do Southeast Arkansas College graduates typically have?
The median debt load is relatively manageable at $8,600, which is lower than many colleges. However, with post-graduation earnings averaging $33,603, even this modest debt may strain budgets for some graduates.
Should I attend Southeast Arkansas College if I'm unsure about my major?
With an 18% graduation rate, this school poses significant completion risk for undecided students. The investment only makes financial sense if you're committed to finishing a specific program, particularly in Allied Health fields.