Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

UALR's nursing program delivers strong starting salaries that outperform both state and national benchmarks—$78,898 puts graduates $9,000 ahead of the Arkansas median and solidly above typical nursing earnings nationwide. For families concerned about Arkansas's cost of living and job market, these graduates rank in the 60th percentile statewide, meaning they're earning more than most nursing graduates from Arkansas schools right out of the gate. The $32,419 debt load sits above state norms but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, translating to roughly five months of gross income.

The stagnant earnings trajectory deserves attention—graduates see essentially no salary growth between year one and year four. This could reflect the nature of entry-level hospital nursing positions in the Little Rock market, where pay scales are compressed, or it might suggest graduates are staying in roles that don't advance quickly. Compare this to Henderson State or Arkansas State, where similar starting salaries suggest UALR isn't uniquely positioned for early career momentum.

For an in-state student, this program makes financial sense: you'll start earning well immediately and carry reasonable debt. Just understand that your four-years-out salary will likely look similar to your starting offer, so budget accordingly and consider whether additional credentials might be necessary for meaningful raises down the line.