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 gives you a moderate financial return with a big spread between programs. Median earnings ten years out sit below what a nursing or computer science graduate here pulls in, so your major matters more than the school name. Debt stays reasonable at just over $20k median, and you graduate owing less than a year of median pay.
Nursing is the clear winner. You earn close to $59k while borrowing about the same as everyone else, which makes it the best cost-to-payoff deal on campus. Computer science and management information systems also clear the school median comfortably, though CS graduates carry the heaviest debt load of the top programs. Accounting and finance pay in the mid-$40k range but borrow the least, so your net position after loans is stronger than the raw salary suggests.
The main risk here is completion. Only 53% of students finish, and about a quarter don't return after freshman year. If you borrow, start a program that doesn't pay like nursing or CS, and then leave without a degree, you carry debt with no credential to service it. That's the scenario to avoid.
The net price tiers are close to flat. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $14,500. if you earn over $110k, you pay roughly $20,000. That $5,600 gap is small, so lower-income families don't get the steep discount you'd see at wealthier schools. Budget for the full listed price.
This school fits you if you're committed to nursing, computing, or a business major and can finish in four years. If you're undecided or shopping for aid that scales hard with income, look elsewhere. The payoff here rewards the specific majors, not the average.
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.