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Return on Investment Analysis

Arkansas State University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Arkansas State University costs about $31,016 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $38,944 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 7.9 years (20-year ROI: 154%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Educational Administration and Supervision $31,016 $63,853 1761%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $31,016 $36,883 21%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $31,016 $149,066 7255%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $31,016 $40,170 233%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $31,016 $43,288 434%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $31,016 $77,292 2627%
Special Education and Teaching $31,016 $50,075 872%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $31,016 $36,457 -6%
Curriculum and Instruction $31,016 $49,543 838%
Public Administration $31,016 $66,898 1957%
Social Work $31,016 $56,122 1262%
Criminology $31,016 $36,369 -12%
Psychology, General $31,016 $34,223 N/A
Agricultural Business and Management $31,016 $54,197 1138%
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $31,016 $47,207 687%
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $31,016 $0 N/A
Finance and Financial Management Services $31,016 $50,002 867%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $31,016 $77,861 2664%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $31,016 $53,943 1121%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $31,016 $69,348 2115%
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $31,016 $51,618 972%
Biology, General $31,016 $51,707 977%
Accounting and Related Services $31,016 $51,504 964%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $31,016 $0 N/A

Peer Comparison

Arkansas State University Current

154%

20yr ROI

New Mexico Highlands University

172%

20yr ROI

Black Hills State University

118%

20yr ROI

The University of Tennessee-Martin

89%

20yr ROI

Winthrop University

27%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$31,016
Median Debt$20,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$31,016

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Arkansas State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 154%. The total 4-year cost is $31,016 and graduates earn a median of $38,944 within 5 years.

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.

Back to Arkansas State University Colleges in Arkansas Compare Schools ROI Rankings