Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at North Arkansas College

North Arkansas College's general studies associate degree produces outcomes that slightly outpace state averages but lag behind several Arkansas community colleges. At $31,951 four years out, graduates earn about $4,500 more than the state median for this program, placing them in the 60th percentile statewide. However, schools like Arkansas Tech and Black River Technical are delivering earnings $4,000-$8,000 higher with the same credential.

The debt picture is manageable—graduates carry $8,949, which is lower than both state and national benchmarks. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, most students should be able to handle repayment within a reasonable timeframe. The 17% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market, though starting salaries around $27,300 mean tough early years financially.

For Arkansas families, this represents a middle-of-the-road option. If your student is geographically tied to north-central Arkansas, the low debt and steady earnings growth make this workable. But if they have flexibility, it's worth comparing costs and outcomes at NorthWest Arkansas Community College or Arkansas Tech, both of which deliver noticeably stronger earnings trajectories. The 36% Pell grant rate indicates this school serves many students with limited options—it's not a bad choice, just not the strongest performer in the state.