At $4,914/yr net price, University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain graduates earn $30,037/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,914 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,037/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,963/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,084/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,541/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,134/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $38,337 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $27,497 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $26,896 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $8,636 |
The Risk Factor
60.3% of students at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with low debt and affordable tuition making it accessible for working-class students in rural Arkansas. Your total cost stays manageable at under $5,000 annually, and median debt of $6,500 keeps you from crushing loan payments after graduation.
The Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program stands out financially, producing graduates earning $38,337 annually. Practical Nursing offers stable middle-class income at $27,497, while Precision Metal Working provides solid blue-collar wages at $26,896. These programs align well with regional healthcare and manufacturing job markets in western Arkansas.
Avoid the Cosmetology program if financial returns matter to you. Graduates earn just $8,636 annually, making loan repayment difficult even with the school's low debt levels. Liberal Arts graduates also struggle at $18,771, though this program may serve as a transfer pathway rather than terminal degree.
You face geographic risk here. Rural Arkansas offers limited job diversity, so if your chosen field lacks local opportunities, you may need to relocate for better wages. The 60% graduation rate also means four in ten students leave without completing their programs.
This school works best if you want practical job training without big debt, live in the region already, or need flexible scheduling for work-life balance. Skip it if you want higher earning potential or plan to transfer to a four-year university, where other community colleges might offer better transfer agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain worth the cost?
With a net price of $4,914 and median debt of only $6,500, University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain offers good value for the cost. However, average earnings 10 years after graduation are just $30,037, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What programs at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain have the best ROI?
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies leads earnings at $38,337 annually, followed by Practical Nursing at $27,497. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $18,771, while Cosmetology graduates average only $8,636.
How much debt do University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain graduates have?
The median debt for University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain graduates is $6,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. This manageable debt load helps offset the school's below-average earnings outcomes.
What is the graduation rate at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain?
University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain has a 60.30% graduation rate. This is above average for community colleges, suggesting most students who enroll complete their programs.