At $11,679/yr net price, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduates earn $35,550/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,550/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,679 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,550/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,550/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 30.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,202 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,558/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,091/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,740/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,719/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,423/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $44,468 | $25,262 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $22,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,141 | $25,486 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $24,755 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $27,204 | $22,220 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $26,187 | $25,230 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $20,209 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $20,349 |
The Risk Factor
39.7% of students at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers a low-cost education but delivers weak financial returns for most graduates. The median earnings of $35,550 ten years after enrollment barely justify the time and debt investment, even with the relatively affordable $11,679 annual net price.
Industrial Production Technologies stands out as the only program worth pursuing financially, with graduates earning $44,468 annually. This technical program offers the best path to meaningful income at UAPB. Business Administration and Rehabilitation programs generate modest returns around $30,000, while Criminal Justice and Social Work graduates earn below $30,000 despite carrying similar debt loads.
The 39.7% graduation rate creates serious financial risk. With nearly two-thirds of students leaving without degrees, you face a high probability of accumulating debt without completing your program. The low 64.5% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
UAPB works best for Arkansas residents seeking an affordable path into industrial technology or students committed to careers in social services where earnings matter less than mission. The school also serves students who need extensive academic support, though completion remains challenging.
Skip UAPB if you want strong career earnings or have other affordable options. The combination of low graduation rates and modest post-graduation earnings creates poor financial outcomes for most students. Consider the school only if you qualify for substantial financial aid that covers most costs or if you plan to pursue the Industrial Production Technologies program specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff worth the cost?
UAPB's low net price of $11,679 helps offset weak earning outcomes, with graduates earning $35,550 after 10 years. The 39.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which creates significant financial risk.
What are the best paying majors at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff?
Industrial Production Technologies leads with $44,468 average earnings, the only program breaking $40,000. Most other programs, including business and criminal justice, produce earnings below $31,000.
How much student debt do University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduates have?
Graduates carry $24,202 in median debt, which is manageable compared to the low $11,679 annual cost. However, the high dropout rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
What is the graduation rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff?
Only 39.7% of students graduate, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk of attending UAPB.