Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,386 — 21% below average — while paying $14,027/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southern Arkansas University Main Campus compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in AR
Ranked #69 of 128 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #69 | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | 36 | $14,027 | $42,386 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in AR.
Best Programs at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
The highest-earning program at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $29,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earns $53,200, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $29,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $19,000 in median debt vs. $21,692 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,027/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $53,200 | $53,200 | $19,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,800 | $32,800 | $13,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $31,900 | $31,900 | $16,112 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,800 | $29,800 | $21,692 |
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Magnolia, AR
- Student Body
- 2,708 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,027
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,386
- Median Student Debt
- $18,750