Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Arkansas Tech University at a Glance
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is a public university in Russellville, Arkansas, United States. The university offers programs at both baccalaureate and graduate levels in a range of fields. The Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus, a two-year satellite campus in the town of Ozark, primarily focuses on associate and certificate education.
1909
117 years old
9,487
8,808 undergrad · 679 grad
516 acres
Identity
Is Arkansas Tech University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Arkansas Tech University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,766 — 22% below average — while paying $12,970/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $21,000 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Arkansas Tech University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Arkansas Tech University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #66 of 146 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #6 | Pensacola State College | 91 | $3,957 | $36,739 |
| #66 | Arkansas Tech University | 39 | $12,970 | $41,766 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Arkansas Tech University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in AR.
Best Programs at Arkansas Tech University
The highest-earning program at Arkansas Tech University is Mechanical Engineering at $56,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Journalism at $19,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Arkansas Tech University earns $56,800, while a Journalism graduate earns $19,600. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $21,232 in median debt vs. $24,130 for Journalism.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,970/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $56,800 | $56,800 | $21,232 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,300 | $56,300 | $18,503 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $43,800 | $43,800 | $19,229 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $41,800 | $41,800 | $24,305 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $33,800 | $33,800 | $19,130 |
| Homeland Security | $33,800 | $33,800 | $23,730 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $32,600 | $32,600 | $19,000 |
| Biology, General | $32,400 | $32,400 | $14,573 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,900 | $30,900 | $19,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $30,800 | $30,800 | $22,755 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $29,500 | $29,500 | $15,500 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | $26,000 | $26,000 | $15,000 |
| Psychology, General | $23,900 | $23,900 | $19,930 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $23,500 | $23,500 | $23,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $22,400 | $22,400 | $22,270 |
| Journalism | $19,600 | $19,600 | $24,130 |
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Russellville, AR
- Student Body
- 5,388 students
- Admission Rate
- 96%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,970
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,766
- Median Student Debt
- $21,000