Arkansas State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$31,016
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$3,944/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
154%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The average annual in-state tuition at Arkansas State University is $7754. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $45510. Five years after graduation, the median salary is $38944, and ten years after graduation, it is $42617. The median debt for students is $20500, and 42.3% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 45% one year after graduation, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the cost of tuition, is less than one year. This is determined by dividing the tuition cost by the one-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,754
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$38,944
Graduation Rate
54%
Receive Financial Aid
42%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $63,853 | 1761% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,883 | 21% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $149,066 | 7255% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $40,170 | 233% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,288 | 434% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $77,292 | 2627% |
| Special Education and Teaching | $50,075 | 872% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,457 | -6% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $49,543 | 838% |
| Public Administration | $66,898 | 1957% |
| Social Work | $56,122 | 1262% |
| Criminology | $36,369 | -12% |
Peer Comparison
154%
20yr ROI
172%
20yr ROI
118%
20yr ROI
89%
20yr ROI
27%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.