University of Central Arkansas ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$40,472
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$1,670/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
24.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-17%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Graduates of the University of Central Arkansas have a positive return on investment. One year after graduation, the average earnings are $39,167, which is more than the in-state tuition cost of $10,118. Five years after graduation, earnings are $36,670, and ten years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,938. The median debt for graduates is $20,346, and 41.7% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates can be calculated by dividing the median debt by the average annual earnings. Using the one-year earnings data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.52. This suggests that the debt is less than the annual income.
To calculate the break-even timeline, the median debt is divided by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. This calculation results in a break-even timeline of approximately 0.7 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,118
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,346
Median Earnings (5yr)
$36,670
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
42%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $100,815 | 3152% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,266 | 358% |
| Psychology, General | $38,715 | 84% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,687 | 379% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $52,912 | 785% |
| Biology, General | $41,909 | 241% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,218 | 306% |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $63,692 | 1318% |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $51,582 | 719% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,606 | 226% |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services | $47,209 | 503% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $63,168 | 1292% |
Peer Comparison
-17%
20yr ROI
21%
20yr ROI
97%
20yr ROI
-43%
20yr ROI
-24%
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.