University of Arkansas at Monticello
University of Arkansas at Monticello — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Arkansas at Monticello at a Glance
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) is a public university in Monticello, Arkansas, United States, with Colleges of Technology in Crossett and McGehee. UAM is part of the University of Arkansas System and offers master's degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and associate degrees. The city is in the Arkansas Timberlands, and UAM is home to the state's only School of Forest Resources.
1910
116 years old
$23M
US$22,764,898
2,856
373
Identity
Is University of Arkansas at Monticello Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, University of Arkansas at Monticello is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $36,902 — 31% below average — while paying $14,287/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% 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 median debt of $19,971 representing 54% 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 University of Arkansas at Monticello has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Arkansas at Monticello compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in AR
Ranked #86 of 130 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 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #86 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | 30 | $14,287 | $36,902 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Arkansas at Monticello's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in AR.
Best Programs at University of Arkansas at Monticello
The highest-earning program at University of Arkansas at Monticello is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $25,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Arkansas at Monticello earns $55,500, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $25,700. 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: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $20,727 in median debt vs. $22,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,287/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 | $55,500 | $55,500 | $20,727 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $32,700 | $32,700 | $18,232 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $31,000 | $31,000 | $11,315 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,700 | $25,700 | $22,000 |
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Monticello, AR
- Student Body
- 1,933 students
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,287
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $36,902
- Median Student Debt
- $19,971