Arkansas Tech University vs NorthWest Arkansas Community College
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR | NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Poor return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | -78% | +288% |
| 10-year net gain | $-46,203 | $51,494 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $46,333 | $51,935 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $38,813 | $45,539 |
| Average net price | $12,970 | $7,196 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $9,506 |
| Break-even | 44.7 yrs | 2.6 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 49% | — |
| Admission rate | 96% | — |
Arkansas Tech University
Poor return
$-46,203 over 10 years
On these figures the cost and debt outweigh the earnings premium.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Strong return
+$51,494 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.