Nursing at North Arkansas College

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

a compact campus enrolling 1,184 students in Harrison, AR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $58,258 place North Arkansas College below the $69,474 national median for Nursing — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 107.7x 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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $58,258 far exceeding the $9,215 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #354 of 947 Nursing programs, North Arkansas College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $66,980 are relatively flat compared to the $58,258 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.

84 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
78
Low End
84
Score
85
High End
Earnings $58,258/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$685K
3.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
108.1x
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)
$6,336
Out-of-state: $11,088
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,215
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,980
15% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Arkansas College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at North Arkansas College?
A score of 84/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. North Arkansas College's Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at North Arkansas College?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — North Arkansas College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What's the typical debt for Nursing graduates from North Arkansas College?
At $9,215 in median debt, Nursing graduates from North Arkansas College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Why are Nursing earnings lower at North Arkansas College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of North Arkansas College?
Beyond North Arkansas College's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Nursing careers — including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
How many job openings are there for Nursing graduates?
Job availability for Nursing is strong — 292,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For North Arkansas College graduates specifically, local market conditions in AR may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →