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
The financial return at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is weak. Ten years after enrolling, your median earnings sit around $35,550, which is below what many bachelor's degrees pay nationally, and the 39.7% graduation rate means most people who start here don't finish with a degree.
Your major choice matters more here than the school average suggests. Industrial Production Technologies is the clear winner, paying about $44,468 for a debt load close to $25,000, so the return lines up. Everything else pays poorly. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Social Work all land under $31,000 a year, and Social Work in particular carries the highest debt ($27,000) for the lowest pay ($28,598). Borrowing that much to earn under $30,000 is a bad trade.
The biggest risk here is not finishing. With a 64.5% retention rate, more than a third of students don't return after year one, and if you leave with debt but no degree, you get the loan payments without the earnings bump. The typical debt of about $24,000 is manageable only if you graduate into the Industrial Production track.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: families under $30,000 pay about $10,558, while families earning $48,000 to $110,000 pay closer to $15,000. If you're solidly middle income, you get less aid and a higher bill for the same weak earnings outcome. Lower-income families get the best price here.
This school makes financial sense if you enroll in Industrial Production Technologies, qualify for the lowest net price, and are committed to graduating. If you're aiming for social work, criminal justice, or business, the numbers don't support the cost, and you should compare other Arkansas public options before committing.
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.