Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Southern Arkansas University Tech

A nursing associate degree in Arkansas offers strong economic fundamentals, and the estimated figures here align with that pattern. Based on comparable nursing programs across the state, graduates typically earn around $67,000 in their first year—nearly identical to Arkansas's statewide median for nursing associate degrees. The estimated debt of $17,146 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, well within manageable territory for a healthcare credential that leads directly to licensure and employment.

What's worth noting is that several Arkansas nursing programs report first-year earnings in the $70,000-$78,000 range, suggesting there may be variation in clinical placement networks or geographic job markets across the state. The national median of $68,409 provides another useful reference point—these estimates place this program squarely in the typical range. For a school serving 41% Pell-eligible students, that combination of accessible debt levels and solid earning potential is meaningful.

The challenge for parents is that without program-specific data, you're making enrollment decisions based on peer benchmarks rather than this school's actual track record. The economics of nursing degrees in Arkansas appear sound overall, but you'll want to investigate this program's NCLEX pass rates and local employer relationships—factors that aren't captured in these estimated figures but matter significantly for turning a credential into a career.