At $16,775/yr net price, University of Central Arkansas graduates earn $45,938/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,938/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,775 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,938/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,938/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,346 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,387/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,946/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,233/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,775/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,028/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,358 | $37,479 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,736 | $59,486 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $67,548 | $38,223 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $63,005 | $33,513 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,842 | $19,250 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $36,256 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $22,079 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,432 | $16,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $48,432 | $40,276 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $47,729 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
53.3% of students at University of Central Arkansas graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Central Arkansas delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in health-related fields but weaker performance across most other programs. Your median earnings after graduation will likely fall around $46,000, which provides modest returns on the $16,775 annual net price.
Nursing programs offer the clearest path to financial success at UCA. The top nursing track generates $92,000 in median earnings, though you'll carry nearly $37,000 in debt. Even the lower-earning nursing option still pays $59,000 with manageable debt of $19,250. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also pay well, with earnings reaching $70,000, but debt loads vary significantly between programs.
The 53% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 73% retention rate suggests many students struggle early in their academic career.
UCA makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or health-related fields and can handle the academic demands. The relatively low net price makes it affordable even for average-performing programs. You should look elsewhere if you need more academic support or want stronger earning potential outside healthcare fields.
With only 37% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships may be limited. Focus on completing your degree quickly to maximize your return, as the low graduation rate indicates many students extend their time to degree or drop out entirely. Consider your academic preparedness carefully before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Central Arkansas worth the cost?
University of Central Arkansas offers a relatively low net price at $16,775 per year, but graduates earn only $45,938 after 10 years. With a 53% graduation rate and $20,346 in median debt, the return on investment is weak compared to other state schools.
What are the best paying majors at University of Central Arkansas?
Nursing and rehabilitation programs at University of Central Arkansas provide the strongest returns, with nursing graduates earning up to $92,358 and rehabilitation professionals averaging $67,548-$70,736. Most other programs lead to significantly lower earnings that may not justify the investment.
How much debt do University of Central Arkansas graduates have?
University of Central Arkansas graduates carry a median debt of $20,346. Given that typical graduate earnings are $45,938 after 10 years, this debt load represents a manageable but concerning debt-to-income ratio for many majors outside of healthcare.
Does University of Central Arkansas have good financial aid?
University of Central Arkansas keeps costs relatively low with a net price of $16,775 per year after aid. However, the school's 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their degrees, making any financial aid ineffective for those who don't finish.