Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Arkansas State University Three Rivers

In Arkansas, nursing programs span a wide range of outcomes, and while this program's actual graduate data isn't available, peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $67,000—squarely in line with what associate-degree RN programs typically deliver. That translates to an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months' salary, which is manageable for a healthcare credential with immediate workforce demand.

The challenge is that top performers in Arkansas are producing substantially better results. Phillips Community College and ASU-Newport are seeing first-year earnings above $74,000—that's $7,000 more annually than comparable programs suggest for Three Rivers. Whether that gap reflects clinical placement networks, employer relationships, or simply reporting variation is unclear without this program's actual outcomes, but it's worth understanding before committing.

For parents weighing this option: the estimated debt load is reasonable and the field offers stability, but Arkansas has 27 nursing programs competing for clinical sites and employer attention. You'll want to dig into Three Rivers' NCLEX pass rates, clinical rotation locations, and where their graduates actually get hired. Those concrete details matter more than peer-program estimates when the difference between a strong placement and an average one could mean $10,000 annually right out of the gate.