Students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock achieve earnings that exceed expectations for an institution serving primarily first-generation and Pell-eligible students in Arkansas.
The university combines broad educational access with professional programs that lead to stable career outcomes, particularly in nursing and construction technology fields.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock serves as an accessible regional public university that prioritizes affordability and broad access over premium earnings outcomes. Nearly 41% of students receive Pell Grants and about 39% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving Arkansas families who might not otherwise access higher education. While UALR ranks in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings, it provides a reliable pathway to middle-class careers at net prices that remain manageable for most income levels.
The university's strength lies in specific professional programs, particularly nursing, where graduates earn around $70,536 ten years after enrollment—well above the institutional median. Construction engineering technology and corrections administration also provide solid career pathways, though overall outcomes vary significantly by major choice. As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility, UALR combines strong access with more modest earnings outcomes, making it a practical choice for students who need affordable education leading to stable employment rather than top-tier financial returns.
For Arkansas families seeking a public university that balances accessibility with professional preparation, UALR offers predictable costs, reasonable debt levels, and targeted program strengths that align with regional workforce needs.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional public university serving Arkansas's workforce needs. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the clear standout, graduating 176 students annually with median earnings around $70,536—significantly above the institutional average and representing the university's strongest return on investment. This program combines substantial enrollment with excellent financial outcomes, making it UALR's primary economic engine.
Corrections Administration represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 115 graduates, though earnings around $35,060 reflect the more modest pay scales typical in criminal justice fields. Construction Engineering Technology, while smaller with 25 graduates, delivers strong earnings around $55,512 and aligns with Arkansas's infrastructure and development needs. These professional programs demonstrate UALR's focus on career-oriented education that connects directly to regional employment opportunities.
The contrast between high-performing programs like nursing and construction technology versus lower-earning options like General Studies highlights the importance of program selection at UALR. Students who choose targeted professional fields can achieve solid middle-class outcomes, while those in more general academic areas may face more modest financial prospects. This pattern reflects the university's strength in applied, career-focused education rather than broad liberal arts preparation.
Graduates of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock earn a median of $45,265 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. However, graduates do achieve earnings that are about $3,193 higher than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating the university provides some value beyond what might be expected given its student profile and resources.
Earnings vary dramatically by program choice at UALR. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the institution's strongest financial pathway, with 176 graduates earning a median of $70,536 and generating the highest aggregate return of any program. Construction Engineering Technology graduates earn around $55,512 with strong job market demand, while Corrections Administration—the largest program by enrollment with 115 graduates—leads to more modest earnings around $35,060. At the lower end, General Studies graduates typically earn about $28,055, highlighting the importance of major selection for long-term financial outcomes.
The university's professional focus in nursing, construction technology, and criminal justice aligns with Arkansas's regional economy and provides clear career pathways. While overall earnings lag behind national averages, students who choose targeted professional programs can achieve solid middle-class outcomes, and the institution's ability to exceed earnings expectations suggests effective career preparation within its resource constraints.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock maintains strong affordability across income levels, making higher education accessible to Arkansas families. Low-income students pay about $14,143 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $18,216 per year—both figures that remain well below national averages for public universities. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $21,013 annually, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan for degree completion.
Debt levels at UALR are generally manageable relative to the institution's earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $22,000 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns with the university's focus on accessibility rather than premium outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages around $10,181, reflecting the institution's role in serving families who need additional support to cover college costs but aren't taking on excessive debt loads.
What makes UALR particularly sustainable is the alignment between borrowing levels and realistic repayment capacity. With median earnings around $45,265, most graduates can handle standard loan repayment without severe financial strain, though the margin isn't as comfortable as at higher-earning institutions. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, even if the financial cushion is more modest than at institutions with stronger earnings outcomes.
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
