Henderson State University provides an affordable pathway to stable middle-class careers, with net prices that remain manageable for families across all income levels and strong support for first-generation students.
Graduates achieve earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students elsewhere, demonstrating the university's ability to add value despite modest overall outcomes.
Henderson State University ranks in the bottom quartile nationally for overall value among public four-year institutions, reflecting modest long-term earnings outcomes balanced against strong affordability and access. Located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, this small public university serves a student body where nearly half receive Pell Grants and more than a third are first-generation college students, demonstrating its commitment to educational access for underserved populations.
What distinguishes Henderson State is its role as an affordable pathway to stable middle-class careers, particularly in education and business fields. Graduates earn a median of $43,459 ten years after enrollment, which places the university in the lower quartile nationally but represents solid outcomes for Arkansas and the broader region. The university's strength lies not in producing high earners, but in providing accessible, affordable education that helps students achieve economic stability without overwhelming debt.
As a small public institution, Henderson State offers the personal attention and community feel that many students value, combined with net prices that remain manageable across all income levels. For families prioritizing affordability and access over maximum earning potential, Henderson State represents a practical choice that delivers on its core mission of educational opportunity.
Henderson State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional institution serving Arkansas's workforce development needs. The university's strongest programs by aggregate return center on education and business fields that provide stable, middle-class career pathways. Adult and Continuing Education leads with 61 graduates earning around $32,711, representing the university's commitment to serving non-traditional students and addressing regional educational needs.
Business/Commerce serves as the university's largest program with 54 graduates earning median salaries of $34,420, providing foundational business skills that translate well to Arkansas's diverse economy. Agricultural Teacher Education, though smaller with 23 graduates, achieves the highest individual earnings at $38,289, reflecting the specialized nature of agricultural education and its importance in Arkansas's rural communities.
These programs demonstrate Henderson State's focus on practical, career-oriented education rather than high-earning professional fields. The university prepares graduates for stable roles in education, business, and agriculture that serve essential functions in Arkansas communities, even if the earning potential is more modest than programs at research universities or institutions in major metropolitan areas.
Henderson State University graduates achieve modest but stable long-term earnings outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $43,459, placing the university in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings performance. However, graduates do earn about $4,244 more than similar students at comparable institutions, showing the university provides some earnings advantage beyond what might be expected given its student profile and regional context.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Adult and Continuing Education represents the university's highest aggregate return program, with 61 graduates earning around $32,711 early in their careers. Business/Commerce, the largest program with 54 graduates, produces median earnings of $34,420, while Agricultural Teacher Education, though smaller with 23 graduates, achieves the highest individual earnings at $38,289. These programs reflect Henderson State's focus on practical, career-oriented education in fields like teaching, business, and agriculture that serve regional workforce needs.
While Henderson State's earnings outcomes are modest compared to flagship universities, they represent solid middle-class incomes that align well with Arkansas's cost of living and regional job market. The university's graduates enter stable career paths in education, business, and agricultural sectors, providing economic security even if not the highest earning potential.
Henderson State University delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to a broad range of Arkansas families. Low-income students pay approximately $15,236 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $19,426, and high-income students pay about $19,082. These net prices remain well below national averages and reflect the university's commitment to keeping education affordable for working families throughout the region.
Debt levels at Henderson State are manageable and align well with typical graduate earnings. Students who borrow graduate with a median federal loan debt of $19,500, a reasonable amount given the university's focus on stable, middle-class career outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,000, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work-study, and personal contributions rather than relying heavily on borrowing. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, demonstrating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
The combination of low net prices and manageable debt makes Henderson State particularly attractive for cost-conscious families. With graduates earning around $43,459 ten years out, typical borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building financial stability in their chosen careers.
Henderson State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
