Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Harding University

Harding's nursing graduates start strong at nearly $70,000, placing them squarely in the middle of Arkansas programs—but that early advantage doesn't hold. By year four, median earnings drop to $64,290, falling below where grads from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Arkansas State started. While the numbers land nationally in just the 23rd percentile, they're competitive within Arkansas (60th percentile), where nursing salaries run lower overall.

The $30,000 debt load is manageable at first glance—about 43 cents per dollar of first-year earnings. But that calculation looks worse after the pay decline. Several Arkansas programs deliver both higher starting salaries and better earnings growth, particularly UA Little Rock, which starts $9,000 higher annually and presumably maintains that advantage.

The practical concern here is why earnings decline. It could reflect normal career patterns in Arkansas nursing markets, or graduates might be shifting into lower-paying specialties or part-time work. For families choosing between Arkansas nursing programs, Harding's open admission and moderate debt make it accessible, but if your child can get into UA Little Rock or Arkansas State, those programs show stronger earnings trajectories. This works as an affordable entry into nursing, just not a standout performer within the state.