University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at a Glance
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is a public historically black university in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Founded in 1873, it is the second oldest public college or university in Arkansas. It was one of about 180 "normal schools" established by state governments in the 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools. UAPB is part of the University of Arkansas System and Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
1873
153 years old
$7M
$7 million
2,100
Identity
Is University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $35,550 — 34% below average — while paying $12,653/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 40% 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.
With median debt of $24,202 representing 68% 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 Pine Bluff has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #49 of 66 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 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #49 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | 28 | $12,653 | $35,550 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in AR.
Best Programs at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
The highest-earning program at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at $46,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $19,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians graduate from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff earns $46,500, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $19,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,653/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $46,500 | $46,500 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $30,000 | $30,000 | $29,944 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $27,600 | $27,600 | $25,500 |
| Psychology, General | $25,600 | $25,600 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $24,700 | $24,700 | $28,750 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $24,700 | $24,700 | $29,003 |
| Biology, General | $23,100 | $23,100 | $24,124 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $19,500 | $19,500 | $28,535 |
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Pine Bluff, AR
- Student Body
- 1,807 students
- Admission Rate
- 41%
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,653
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $35,550
- Median Student Debt
- $24,202