At $15,944/yr net price, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates earn $42,386/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,386/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,944 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,776 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,386/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,386/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,823/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,172/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,686/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,378/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,896/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,402 | $29,480 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,402 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,151 | $19,500 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $22,250 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $13,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,458 | $24,625 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,980 | $12,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $37,568 | $63,324 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $21,861 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $14,848 |
The Risk Factor
46.5% of students at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southern Arkansas University delivers solid financial returns for specific programs but shows concerning weaknesses that make it a risky choice for many students. The $42,386 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the $15,944 annual net price when combined with the troubling 46.5% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at SAU, with graduates earning $58,402 annually and manageable debt loads under $20,000. Business Administration also hits $58,402 in earnings, though the $29,480 debt load cuts into returns. Physics offers respectable $52,107 earnings with moderate debt at $22,250. Agricultural Business provides the lowest debt at $13,875 but earnings of just $42,682 may struggle to justify even SAU's relatively affordable costs.
The biggest red flag is the graduation rate. More than half of students leave without finishing, meaning you face significant risk of debt without a degree. The 69% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that SAU may not meet their needs.
You should consider SAU if you can get into the nursing program or plan to study business while keeping costs extremely low. The school works best for Arkansas residents who can minimize borrowing and have clear career goals in high-performing programs. Avoid SAU if you need academic support to graduate, plan to study lower-earning majors, or require a school with stronger completion rates. The financial risk of non-completion outweighs the modest returns for most students outside the top programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Arkansas University Main Campus worth the cost?
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus offers below-average returns with graduates earning $42,386 ten years after enrollment, which is low for a four-year degree. The 46.5% graduation rate means over half of students don't finish, making it a risky investment for many.
What are the best paying majors at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
Nursing programs at Southern Arkansas University lead earnings at around $55,000-$58,000 annually, followed by business administration at $58,402. Physics graduates earn about $52,000, while agricultural business majors average $42,682.
How much debt do Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have?
Southern Arkansas University graduates typically carry $18,750 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, the low post-graduation earnings of $42,386 mean debt payments will consume a larger portion of income than at higher-earning schools.
Does Southern Arkansas University Main Campus have good financial aid?
Southern Arkansas University's net price of $15,944 per year is relatively affordable for a four-year institution. The low sticker price helps keep debt manageable, though the poor graduation rate and low earnings still present financial risks.