Arkansas State University
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
vs 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 $7,754. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $45,510. Five years after graduation, the median salary is $38,944, and after ten years, it is $42,617. The median debt for students is $20,500, and 42.3% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the median debt and the one-year post-graduation salary, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.45. This is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year salary.
The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for a graduate to earn enough to cover their debt, is approximately 0.5 years. This is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year post-graduation salary.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $31,016 | $63,853 | 1761% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $31,016 | $56,795 | 1305% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $31,016 | $28,019 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $31,016 | $64,306 | 1790% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $31,016 | $0 | N/A |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $31,016 | $36,883 | 21% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $31,016 | $39,357 | 181% |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $31,016 | $49,543 | 838% |
| Special Education and Teaching. | $31,016 | $50,075 | 872% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $31,016 | $46,196 | 622% |
| Public Administration. | $31,016 | $66,898 | 1957% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $31,016 | $149,066 | 7255% |
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)
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.