At $14,013/yr net price, University of Arkansas at Monticello graduates earn $36,902/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,902/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,013 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,052 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,902/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,902/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 19.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,971 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,803/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,742/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,976/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,179/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,311/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $64,791 | $5,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,020 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,331 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $41,205 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,870 | $20,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,829 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,330 | $20,000 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $33,459 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
The Risk Factor
43.3% of students at University of Arkansas at Monticello 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 Monticello offers weak overall returns despite its low cost, with most graduates earning well below the national average while facing significant completion risks.
Your best financial bets are the technical programs that few students know about. Electromechanical instrumentation graduates earn $64,791 annually with just $5,500 in debt, making it one of the strongest ROI programs in Arkansas. Nursing also delivers solid returns at $54,000-$61,000, though you'll compete for limited spots in the program.
Business and management programs generate mediocre outcomes around $41,000 annually. With nearly half of all students needing financial aid and median debt approaching $20,000, these middle-tier earnings create tight budgets for graduates.
The biggest financial risk is not graduating at all. Only 43% of students finish their degrees, and the 69% retention rate signals many discover the academic fit isn't right after freshman year. If you're not academically prepared or unsure about your commitment, you risk accumulating debt without a degree to show for it.
This school makes financial sense if you can access the high-paying technical programs or nursing, need to stay in southeast Arkansas for family reasons, or want to minimize college costs while earning any four-year degree. The low net price of $14,013 keeps your financial risk manageable even if career outcomes disappoint.
Skip UAM if you have strong academic credentials that could earn merit aid elsewhere, want access to higher-paying career fields, or need the alumni networks that come with larger universities. The limited program options and regional job market constrain your earning potential compared to other Arkansas public universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arkansas at Monticello worth the cost?
University of Arkansas at Monticello's ROI is below average, with graduates earning $36,902 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $14,013 per year. The 43% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Arkansas at Monticello?
Electromechanical technology programs lead with $64,791 average earnings, followed by nursing at around $54,000-$61,000. These technical and healthcare programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do University of Arkansas at Monticello graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $19,971, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with post-graduation earnings averaging under $37,000, debt payments could strain budgets for typical graduates.
Does University of Arkansas at Monticello have good financial aid?
The net price of $14,013 per year is relatively affordable for a four-year degree. However, the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs despite the reasonable cost.