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 runs a low-cost, modest-return model. You pay about $16,000 a year and graduate with median debt under $19,000, which is low enough that most of your salary isn't going toward loans. But median earnings ten years out sit near $42,000, so the payoff is steady, not big. The 46.5% graduation rate is the real risk here: if you don't finish, you carry debt without the degree that pays it back.
Nursing is the clear winner. You earn around $55,000 with debt near $19,500, and that pay tracks a regional job market where hospitals hire constantly. Physics pays close behind at $52,000, though the debt runs higher at $22,250. Agricultural Business fits the local economy and does it cheaply, with the lowest debt on the list at under $14,000 against a $42,700 salary.
The weaker bets are teacher education and general business. Teaching keeps debt low but drops your earnings to $38,000. General Business is the worst combination on the page: $35,000 in earnings against nearly $22,000 in debt, higher borrowing for the lowest pay. If business is your plan, that gap should give you pause.
On net price, families earning under $48,000 pay around $15,000, and it barely moves as income rises to $75,000. The jump comes above $75,000, where price climbs past $19,000. Lower-income families get the better relative deal here.
This school fits you if you're headed into nursing, physics, or agriculture and want to keep debt small. Look elsewhere if you're set on general business, and think hard about the odds of finishing before you enroll.
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.