Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Arkansas State University-Newport

ASU-Newport nursing graduates hit the ground running with first-year earnings of nearly $75,000—well above Arkansas's median for associate nursing programs and ranking in the 78th percentile nationally. That's excellent starting power, especially with just $18,375 in typical debt (a 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio puts this squarely in "manageable" territory). For an in-state family, this program offers strong immediate returns at a reasonable price point.

The complication? Earnings drop to around $64,000 by year four. This decline likely reflects how healthcare employers compensate associate-degree nurses compared to BSN holders over time, or it may indicate graduates transitioning to different practice settings or work schedules. It's worth noting that even at year four, earnings still exceed the state median, and the program serves a substantial population of Pell recipients (41%), suggesting it's fulfilling an important access mission.

The practical verdict: If your child wants to enter nursing quickly and cost-effectively, this program delivers. The first-year numbers are genuinely strong. Just understand that maximizing long-term earnings may eventually require pursuing a BSN, which many employers now support through tuition assistance. For students prioritizing fast entry to the profession with minimal debt, this remains a solid choice among Arkansas's nursing programs.