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 gives you a modest financial return with real risk attached. Median earnings of $33,603 ten years out sit below what many two-year graduates earn, and the 18.20% graduation rate is the number to weigh hardest here. Most people who enroll do not finish, and a credential you never complete is the fastest way to lose money at this school.
The one program with reported earnings, the allied health certificate at $41,565, pays off clearly. It costs less in debt than the median borrower carries and returns roughly $8,000 a year over the school-wide median. If you can get into that health track and finish it, the math works. Outside of that certificate, there is no bachelor-level program data here, so treat any other path as an open question on earnings.
Your biggest financial risk is the completion problem. Borrowing $8,600 is manageable if you graduate and land a health-field job in the Pine Bluff area. Borrowing it and dropping out leaves you with debt and no credential to raise your pay.
The net price tiers work backwards from what you might expect. Families earning $48-75k pay more than families under $30k, and the highest earners pay the most at $14,376. Lower-income families do not get the steepest discount here, so run your own aid numbers before assuming this is the cheap option.
This school fits you if you are local, aimed squarely at the allied health certificate, and confident you will finish. Look elsewhere if you are unsure of your major, need a bachelor's-level payoff, or have any doubt about completing, because the graduation odds here turn a low sticker price into a real gamble.
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.