Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
uark.eduAnalysis
University of Arkansas's nursing program starts stronger than most in the state but then reverses course. Graduates earn $72,043 in their first year—landing them in the 60th percentile among Arkansas nursing programs—but by year four, that figure drops to $66,626. This backward trajectory is unusual for nursing, where skills and experience typically command higher pay over time.
The debt picture offers some relief: at $24,327, it's about 15% below both state and national medians for nursing programs. Combined with that solid first-year salary, graduates face a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, Arkansas nursing grads from University of Arkansas at Little Rock earn $79,000 early in their careers, and Arkansas State tops $73,000—both without the earnings decline pattern.
Given the university's 72% admission rate and strong sample size, these numbers reflect real outcomes, not statistical noise. If your child chooses this program, they should understand they're likely trading peak earning potential for the flagship university experience. The debt burden is reasonable, but the earnings ceiling appears lower than competitive Arkansas nursing programs, making it critical to weigh the Razorback brand against stronger salary trajectories elsewhere in the state.
Where University of Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $72,043 | $66,626 | -8% |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $78,898 | $79,046 | +0% |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | $67,337 | $66,769 | -1% |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | $69,618 | $66,404 | -5% |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | $67,213 | $65,322 | -3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of ArkansasFayetteville | $9,748 | $72,043 | $66,626 | $24,327 | 0.34 |
 University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock | $8,455 | $78,898 | $79,046 | $32,419 | 0.41 |
 Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro | $7,754 | $73,423 | $64,306 | $26,355 | 0.36 |
 Henderson State UniversityArkadelphia | $7,885 | $72,326 | — | $21,500 | 0.30 |
 University of Central ArkansasConway | $10,118 | $70,636 | $62,853 | $25,000 | 0.35 |
 Harding UniversitySearcy | $24,888 | $69,743 | $64,290 | $30,000 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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, approximately 17% 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 301 graduates with reported earnings and 319 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.