Students at the University of Arkansas at Monticello benefit from some of the most affordable net prices among public universities, with particularly strong value for low-income families.
The university combines broad educational access with manageable costs, though earnings outcomes remain modest compared to national averages.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello serves as an accessible regional public university that prioritizes affordability and broad access for Arkansas students. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and about 45% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. While UAM ranks in the lower tier nationally for earnings outcomes, it provides a pathway to higher education at a net price that remains manageable for most families.
The university's strength lies in its affordability rather than its earnings premium. Low-income students pay about $12,803 annually, and middle-income families see costs around $14,976, both well below national averages for public institutions. Graduates earn a median of $36,902 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom quartile nationally but reflects the regional job market and program mix.
As a small public university in rural Arkansas, UAM fills an important role in providing educational access to students who might not otherwise attend college. The university's mission centers on opportunity and accessibility rather than maximizing post-graduation earnings, making it a viable option for students who value affordability and local connections over high-earning career trajectories.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional access institution serving local workforce needs. General Studies dominates with 83 graduates, providing flexible pathways for students who need broad foundational skills, though earnings in this field average $26,585. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 30 graduates annually, serves students interested in health and fitness careers with median earnings around $35,330.
The standout program financially is Adult Health Nursing, where 25 graduates achieve median earnings of $54,331, demonstrating that healthcare programs can deliver strong returns even within a modest overall institutional profile. This reflects the consistent demand for healthcare professionals and the specialized skills that nursing programs provide.
While UAM doesn't offer the breadth of high-earning technical programs found at research universities, its focused portfolio serves students who plan to work in Arkansas and surrounding regions. The emphasis on accessible programs like General Studies, combined with targeted professional preparation in fields like nursing and exercise science, aligns with the university's role as a regional workforce development institution rather than a pathway to high-mobility careers.
Graduates of the University of Arkansas at Monticello earn a median of $36,902 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the bottom 15% nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. This reflects both the regional job market in Arkansas and the university's program mix, which emphasizes accessible fields rather than high-earning technical disciplines. While earnings are modest compared to national averages, they align with the cost of living and employment opportunities available in rural Arkansas and surrounding regions.
The university's program portfolio centers on practical, service-oriented fields that serve local workforce needs. General Studies, the largest program with 83 graduates, leads to median earnings of $26,585, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates about 30 students annually with earnings around $35,330. The standout program financially is Adult Health Nursing, where 25 graduates earn a median of $54,331, demonstrating that certain specialized programs can deliver strong returns even within a modest overall earnings profile.
While UAM's graduates don't achieve the earnings premiums seen at research universities or technical institutions, the university provides a foundation for stable employment in education, healthcare, social services, and local business sectors. The relatively low debt burden helps ensure that modest earnings still translate to manageable financial outcomes for most graduates.
Decomposes the earnings-above-expectation score into program mix, labor market alignment, and the remaining institutional residual.
Negative program contribution values reflect how the school's mix compares with the model, not that the school is weak in that field.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay about $12,803 per year, well below the national average, while middle-income families see annual costs around $14,976. Even high-income families pay just $18,311 annually, making UAM one of the more affordable public options in the region. This pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to keeping higher education accessible for Arkansas families.
Debt levels remain reasonable for most students who choose to borrow. Typical graduates leave with about $19,971 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given the university's low sticker price. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $7,460, significantly lower than at most public universities, indicating that families can often cover costs through a combination of grants, work, and modest borrowing rather than taking on substantial debt loads.
The combination of low net prices and modest debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for most UAM students. While graduates don't achieve the highest earnings, the affordable cost structure means that loan payments remain a reasonable percentage of post-graduation income, allowing students to build financial stability without being burdened by excessive debt service requirements.
University Of Arkansas At Monticello Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
