Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,827/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,827/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $129,122 | $146,217 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $117,572 | $52,850 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $97,604 | $91,941 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,134 | $41,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $82,440 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $64,493 | $38,046 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,013 | $14,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $20,000 |
| Public Health. | Master | $54,386 | $59,233 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $53,743 | $197,462 |
Analysis
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences delivers strong financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $73,827 and strongly low median debt of $14,000. This combination creates one of the better debt-to-income ratios among specialized health science universities.
Pharmacy graduates earn the highest salaries at $129,122 but carry substantial debt loads of $146,217, creating a manageable but significant financial burden in early career years. Nursing programs offer the best balance, with registered nursing graduates earning $95,134 to $117,572 while maintaining reasonable debt levels between $41,000 and $52,850. Allied health programs fall in the middle ground with solid $97,604 earnings against $91,941 in debt.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its narrow program focus. If you change career directions or struggle in health sciences coursework, transfer options become limited and expensive. The regional job market in Arkansas also constrains salary growth compared to major metropolitan areas, though healthcare demand remains steady.
UAMS works best financially if you're committed to healthcare careers and plan to work in the South or Midwest where your salary will stretch further. The low debt burden gives you flexibility to pursue residencies or additional training without crushing financial pressure. Only 27% of students receive aid, suggesting either strong family financial support or that the relatively affordable tuition keeps borrowing needs low.
Avoid UAMS if you're uncertain about healthcare careers or need the broader academic options of a complete university. The specialized nature means fewer opportunities to explore different fields without transferring elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences worth the cost?
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers strong ROI with median debt of only $14,000 and graduates earning $73,827 after 10 years. The pharmacy and nursing programs show particularly high returns, with pharmacy graduates earning $129,122 annually.
What programs at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have the best job prospects?
Pharmacy leads with $129,122 average earnings, followed by nursing administration at $117,572 and allied health professions at $97,604. Communication disorders graduates earn $82,440, which is still above the overall school average.
How much student debt do University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences graduates have?
The median debt is $14,000, which is unusually low for a medical sciences program. This low debt load combined with strong health sector salaries makes the financial risk minimal compared to most graduate programs.
Does University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provide good financial aid?
The $14,000 median debt suggests either strong financial aid or relatively affordable tuition costs. Most graduates can manage this debt level easily given the health sector earning potential.