Arkansas State University Mid-South vs Northwest Technical Institute: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Northwest Technical Institute comes closer — median earnings $41,513 against a $63,968 total, vs $31,857 at Arkansas State University Mid-South. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arkansas State University Mid-South | Northwest Technical Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $5,427 | $15,992 |
| Total net cost | $21,708 | $63,968 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $31,857 | $41,513 |
| Median debt | — | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$351,768 | -$200,908 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Arkansas State University Mid-South or Northwest Technical Institute?
Arkansas State University Mid-South, at $5,427 a year after aid versus $15,992 — a gap of $10,565 a year, or $42,260 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Arkansas State University Mid-South or Northwest Technical Institute graduates earn more?
Northwest Technical Institute graduates report a median $41,513 ten years after entry, $9,656 more than the $31,857 at Arkansas State University Mid-South. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which graduates more of its students?
74% of students finish at Northwest Technical Institute, against 58% at Arkansas State University Mid-South. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.