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
The financial return at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College is weak. You'll pay around $15,000 a year, but a decade after enrolling the typical graduate earns just $34,722. That gap is the core problem here: two years of net price approaches half of what a graduate makes in a full year of work.
The credential you pick decides everything. Allied Health and Medical Assisting graduates clear $50,856, and Management Information Systems associates hit $41,193. Those two programs justify the cost. Below them the math turns ugly. Business Operations Support pays $32,563, the Dental Support certificate pays $26,585, and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies lands at $25,658 , barely above what you could earn without the degree. Chase healthcare or IT here. skip the general-studies track unless it's a stepping stone to a four-year transfer.
The biggest risk is finishing at all. Only about a third of students graduate, so most of the people who enroll and borrow never get the credential that makes the price worth it. Debt itself is modest at $12,080, which softens the blow, but a loan with no diploma is the worst outcome and it's the most common one.
The net price tiers work backward from what you'd expect. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay about $14,256 , less than families earning $75,000 to $110,000, who pay over $18,000. The aid narrows the gap for low-income families but doesn't erase it, and you're still paying five figures a year on a two-year program.
This school fits you if you enroll in a healthcare or IT associate program, live nearby, and can finish on schedule. Look elsewhere if you're planning a general-studies path or aren't confident you'll complete the degree, because the earnings won't cover the cost.
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.