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 gives you a middling financial return that depends almost entirely on your major. At about $16k a year net and $22k in median debt, the cost is moderate, but the $45,265 median earnings ten years out barely clears a modest wage. Your outcome hinges on picking the right program, because the school average masks a wide gap between winners and losers.
Nursing is the clear payoff. At $70,536 with only $20,000 in debt, you earn more than $25k above the school median while borrowing less. Management Information Systems ($60,161) and Construction Engineering Technologies ($55,512) also land you well above the pack, both tied to Little Rock's hospital systems, state government IT, and regional construction work. Accounting ($48,667) and Marketing ($48,823) sit closer to the school median and pay off more slowly given similar debt.
The real risk here is finishing. A 41.4% graduation rate means most of the people who enroll do not walk away with a degree, and a 71% retention rate means nearly three in ten leave after year one. If you drop out, you keep the debt without the earnings bump that makes any of these programs worth it. That is the single largest financial threat at this school.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay about $14,143. over $110k, you pay $21,013. That $7k gap makes UALR most affordable if your family earns under $48k. If you're aiming for nursing, IT, or construction tech and you actually graduate, this school is a reasonable bet. If you're drawn to lower-earning majors or unsure you'll finish, the payoff gets thin fast, and you should weigh cheaper or more targeted options.
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.