Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $69,618 track close to the $75,273 national median for Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 25.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $20,413 in median debt against $69,618 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
Ranked #204 out of 990 programs, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth is modest: $69,618 to $73,763 over five years (6% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.