At $16,136/yr net price, University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates earn $45,265/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,265/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,136 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,544 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,265/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,265/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,143/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,520/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,216/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,594/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,013/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,536 | $20,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $60,161 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $56,302 | $61,500 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $21,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,739 | $34,523 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,032 | $16,975 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $48,823 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,667 | $20,486 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $48,041 | $34,930 |
| Social Work. | Master | $47,877 | $37,500 |
The Risk Factor
41.4% of students at University of Arkansas at Little Rock 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
University of Arkansas at Little Rock delivers weak financial returns that put most graduates behind their peers from stronger institutions. The median earnings of $45,265 ten years after graduation fall well below national averages, while the 41% graduation rate means six out of ten students never finish their degree.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $70,536 in median earnings with manageable $20,000 debt loads. Construction engineering technology also pays off well at $55,512 annually. Management information systems graduates earn $60,161, making it another viable path. However, the law program presents a financial trap with $61,500 in debt leading to only $56,302 in earnings.
Your biggest risk at UALR is not graduating at all. The low retention rate of 71% signals academic support issues that could derail your investment entirely. The regional job market in Little Rock limits earning potential even for graduates who do finish.
This school makes financial sense if you plan to study nursing or construction technology and want to stay in Arkansas. The $16,136 net price keeps costs reasonable for these high-return programs. You should look elsewhere if you want broader career opportunities or higher earning potential, especially in fields like business administration where UALR graduates significantly underperform national averages.
With only 41% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize costs, since the low graduation rate suggests many students accumulate debt without earning credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arkansas at Little Rock worth the cost?
UALR offers decent value for nursing and business students, with nursing graduates earning over $70,000 annually. However, the overall 10-year earnings of $45,265 and 41% graduation rate suggest limited value for many other programs.
What programs at University of Arkansas at Little Rock have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $70,536 annually. Management Information Systems ($60,161) and Construction Engineering Technologies ($55,512) also offer solid earning potential compared to the school's average.
How much debt do University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates typically have?
UALR graduates leave with a median debt of $22,000, which is manageable for nursing and tech graduates but may be challenging for those earning the school's average of $45,265.
What are the biggest risks of attending University of Arkansas at Little Rock?
The 41% graduation rate means nearly 6 out of 10 students don't finish their degrees. Students outside of nursing, business, or tech programs may struggle to earn enough to justify even the relatively low $22,000 debt load.