Nursing at University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
84 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
84
Optimistic
84
Base Case
82
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,636/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (10.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #252 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $752K $750K $666K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.6x 18.5x 16.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.9x 10.9x 9.6x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 84 84 82

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,472
Out-of-state: $69,032 (10.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,100
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,250
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,918
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $70,636 track close to the $75,273 national median for Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 18.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,250 in median debt against $70,636 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of Central Arkansas ranks #252 among 990 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $70,636 to $77,918 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Central Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 7,426 students in Conway, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Central Arkansas →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 84/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at University of Central Arkansas?
At 84/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at University of Central Arkansas?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Central Arkansas one of the best schools for Nursing?
Among 990 Nursing programs, University of Central Arkansas's #252 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →