The University of Arkansas Grantham provides exceptional affordability with net prices well below national averages and a track record of graduates successfully managing their debt obligations.
This combination of low costs and financial sustainability makes it an accessible pathway for first-generation and low-income students seeking practical career preparation.
The University of Arkansas Grantham serves a distinctive student population, with over 62% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 59% being first-generation college students. As a public institution focused on accessibility, it offers some of the most affordable net prices in Arkansas, with low-income students paying just $9,067 annually and middle-income families paying around $10,971. The university's approach emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than traditional residential college experiences.
While graduation rates remain modest at 24% within six years, the institution serves an important role for students who might not otherwise access higher education. The university attracts a substantial transfer population, with over half of students transferring in from other institutions, suggesting it serves as a pathway for students seeking to complete their degrees. For families prioritizing affordability and access over selectivity, the University of Arkansas Grantham provides a low-risk entry point into higher education with manageable financial commitments.
The University of Arkansas Grantham's program portfolio reflects its mission of providing practical, career-focused education for working adults and non-traditional students. Business Administration and Management leads in both enrollment and total economic impact, graduating 186 students annually who earn a median of $45,048 early in their careers. This program serves as the university's flagship offering, providing foundational business skills that translate into stable employment across various industries.
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, the second-largest program with 146 graduates, demonstrates the university's flexibility in serving students with diverse academic backgrounds and career goals. These graduates earn notably higher early-career salaries at $57,318, suggesting the program successfully combines multiple disciplines to create valuable skill sets. Computer Science, while smaller with 35 graduates, delivers the strongest financial outcomes at $64,990, reflecting the high demand for technical skills in today's economy.
Even programs with more modest earnings, such as Corrections Administration at $45,696 for 117 graduates, provide stable career pathways in public service sectors. The university's approach emphasizes practical skills and professional preparation rather than theoretical knowledge, which aligns well with the needs of its predominantly working adult and first-generation student population seeking direct pathways to employment and career advancement.
Graduates of the University of Arkansas Grantham see varied financial outcomes depending on their field of study and career trajectory. The median earnings ten years after enrollment reach $63,496, which represents solid middle-class income potential, though outcomes vary significantly by program. Students who complete degrees in high-demand fields like Computer Science can expect stronger earnings, with graduates in that field earning around $64,990 early in their careers.
The university's program mix reflects practical, career-oriented education. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program by total economic impact, graduating 186 students annually with median earnings of $45,048. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, the second-largest program with 146 graduates, shows stronger earnings at $57,318, while Computer Science, though smaller with 35 graduates, delivers the highest early-career earnings at nearly $65,000. Even programs like Corrections Administration, which show more modest earnings around $45,696, provide stable career pathways in public service sectors.
The university's focus on practical, applied programs means graduates typically enter stable employment sectors rather than high-growth industries. While this approach may not produce the highest earnings compared to research universities, it provides predictable career outcomes for students seeking reliable employment and steady income growth over time.
The University of Arkansas Grantham stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $9,067 annually in net price, well below national averages for public institutions, while middle-income families face costs of $10,971 per year. Even high-income families pay a relatively modest $14,752, making this one of the most accessible public universities in terms of upfront costs. This pricing structure reflects the institution's mission to serve students who might otherwise be priced out of higher education.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $21,956 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $7,883. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite modest earnings in some fields. The combination of low net prices and reasonable debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for students and families, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who represent the majority of the student body.
What makes the affordability story particularly compelling is how the low upfront costs translate into manageable long-term obligations. With median earnings reaching $63,496 by the ten-year mark, most graduates can handle their debt payments comfortably while building financial stability over time.
University Of Arkansas Grantham Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
