Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Associate's Degree
Analysis
UALR's nursing program lands squarely in the middle of Arkansas's competitive landscape—earning just above the state median but trailing the top performers by $10,000+ annually. With graduates earning $66,420 in their first year, this program places in the 40th percentile statewide, meaning six out of ten Arkansas nursing programs deliver stronger initial earnings. Phillips Community College and Arkansas State Newport, for instance, produce graduates earning $12,000 more right out of the gate.
The debt picture offers more reassurance: $28,978 is higher than the state median of $18,375, but the 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably manage repayment on a nursing salary. What's concerning is the earnings trajectory—just 1% growth over four years suggests limited advancement opportunities or wage compression in the early career years. Most nursing programs show more robust salary progression as graduates gain experience and specializations.
For Arkansas families, this creates a clear calculus. If your child can access one of the state's stronger nursing programs—particularly the community colleges that combine lower debt with higher earnings—those represent better investments. UALR works as a backup option with manageable debt, but it's not positioning graduates at the front of Arkansas's nursing workforce in terms of compensation. The urban Little Rock location might offer clinical experience advantages, but the numbers suggest that benefit isn't translating to outsized earnings.
Where University of Arkansas at Little Rock Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates earn $66k, placing them in the 38th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $66,420 | $67,076 | $28,978 | 0.44 |
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas | $78,213 | — | — | — |
| Arkansas State University-Newport | $74,682 | $63,775 | $18,375 | 0.25 |
| Arkansas State University | $70,358 | $61,180 | $25,750 | 0.37 |
| Arkansas Northeastern College | $70,131 | $61,616 | $9,447 | 0.13 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | $68,834 | — | $23,358 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas Helena | $3,230 | $78,213 | — |
| Arkansas State University-Newport Newport | $2,856 | $74,682 | $18,375 |
| Arkansas State University Jonesboro | $7,754 | $70,358 | $25,750 |
| Arkansas Northeastern College Blytheville | $2,570 | $70,131 | $9,447 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock | $13,593 | $68,834 | $23,358 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Arkansas at Little Rock, approximately 41% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 67 graduates with reported earnings and 177 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.