Jonesboro, AR · Private University
Is Arkansas State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$42,617
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,754
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,826
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$55,304
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.08x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
55.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$13,085
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Arkansas State University graduates earn $2,383 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Arkansas State University ranked by graduate earnings
27 graduates
22 graduates
248 graduates
58 graduates
30 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Arkansas State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Arkansas State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $69,348) and the lowest (Psychology, General: $34,223) is $35,125/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $69,348 | 5.0x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $68,902 | 5.0x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,306 | 4.7x |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $54,197 | 3.9x |
| Biology, General | $51,707 | 3.7x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $51,618 | 3.7x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $51,504 | 3.7x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $50,042 | 3.6x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $50,002 | 3.6x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $46,751 | 3.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,196 | 3.3x |
| Plant Sciences | $44,756 | 3.2x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,288 | 3.1x |
| Social Work | $43,119 | 3.1x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(1yr data) | $40,812 | 3.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $40,170 | 2.9x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $39,965 | 2.9x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $39,096 | 2.8x |
| Mathematics | $39,009 | 2.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $38,396 | 2.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $37,302 | 2.7x |
| Animal Sciences | $37,258 | 2.7x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,883 | 2.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,457 | 2.6x |
| Criminology | $36,369 | 2.6x |
| Sociology | $35,781 | 2.6x |
| Marketing | $35,744 | 2.6x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest | $34,223 | 2.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Arkansas State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $42,617 10 years after starting, $2,383 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.3 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.