Henderson State University
Henderson State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Henderson State University Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, Henderson State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,459 — 19% below average — while paying $23,405/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 38% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Henderson State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Henderson State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #112 of 121 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #112 | Henderson State University | 17 | $23,405 | $43,459 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Henderson State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in AR.
Best Programs at Henderson State University
The highest-earning program at Henderson State University is Business/Commerce, General at $33,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $26,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from Henderson State University earns $33,000, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $26,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $23,566 in median debt vs. $21,465 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,405/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $33,000 | $33,000 | $23,566 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $26,400 | $26,400 | $21,465 |
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Arkadelphia, AR
- Student Body
- 1,456 students
- Graduation Rate
- 38%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,405
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,459
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500