At $15,000/yr net price, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College graduates earn $34,722/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $722/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,000 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,722/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$722/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 83.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,080 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,256/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,663/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,721/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,211/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,627/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $32,563 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $26,585 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $25,658 | $7,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 | $14,500 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $20,140 | $17,953 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $14,935 |
The Risk Factor
32.6% of students at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College 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-Pulaski Technical College offers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection matters enormously. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates earn $50,856 annually, making this program one of the strongest community college investments in Arkansas. Management Information Systems also delivers strong returns at $41,193 per year.
The school's $15,000 annual net price creates manageable debt loads, with median borrowing at just $12,080. This low debt burden means even moderate-earning graduates can achieve positive ROI relatively quickly. However, the 32.6% graduation rate presents a significant risk - you need to complete your program to see any return on investment.
Avoid programs like Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, where graduates earn only $25,658 annually. While this program carries lower debt at $7,000, the earning potential barely justifies the time investment. Dental Support Services also underperforms at $26,585 annually.
This school works best for career-focused students entering high-demand technical fields in central Arkansas. The regional job market supports healthcare and business support roles, making these programs particularly valuable. You should look elsewhere if you want traditional liberal arts education or plan to transfer to a four-year university immediately.
Over half of students receive financial aid, and the community college structure keeps costs reasonable compared to four-year institutions. Your biggest financial risk is not completing your program - the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Focus on programs with clear career pathways and strong local job demand to maximize your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $15,000 per year and median earnings of $34,722 ten years after graduation, UA-PTC offers modest returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The low graduation rate of 33% means many students don't finish, making completion critical to seeing any return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting graduates earn the highest at $50,856 annually, followed by Management Information Systems at $41,193. These programs offer the strongest ROI at UA-PTC, while general studies graduates earn only $25,658.
How much debt do University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College graduates have?
UA-PTC graduates leave with a relatively low median debt of $12,080. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower earnings compared to four-year schools, especially for students in higher-paying technical programs.
What is the graduation rate at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College?
Only 33% of students graduate from UA-PTC, which is concerning for ROI. Students who don't complete their programs get little benefit from their investment, making program selection and academic support crucial factors in success.