Nursing at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Arkansas Tech University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,993 students in Russellville, AR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $67,063 track close to the $69,474 national median for Nursing programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 42.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Nursing programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Nursing's career paths, with 39% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

At $20,800 in median debt against $67,063 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #705 of 947 Nursing programs, Arkansas Tech University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $71,435 are relatively flat compared to the $67,063 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Nursing, including Home Health Director (median $117,960/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

75 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
75
Score
76
High End
Earnings $67,063/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$721K
1.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
42.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$17,016
Out-of-state: $29,004
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,800
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,435
7% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

What can you do with a Nursing credential from Arkansas Tech University? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arkansas Tech University

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at Arkansas Tech University?
At 75/100, the score looks reasonable — but Nursing is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How vulnerable is Nursing to AI automation?
With 39% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $701,629 in decade earnings vs $720,752 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Arkansas Tech University?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Nursing. For students weighing Arkansas Tech University's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Nursing workers?
At 292,500 annual openings, Nursing has a very large employment base. Arkansas Tech University graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →