Analysis
A debt load around $22,750 paired with first-year earnings near $46,100 creates a manageable starting point—similar Arkansas business programs suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, which falls well within the conventional affordability threshold. However, context matters here: the earnings estimate comes from just six programs statewide, and the range among those reporting actual data is enormous. Top performers like John Brown University see graduates earning $58,000 right out of the gate, while Henderson State sits at $36,600. Arkansas Northeastern's position in that spectrum remains unclear without program-specific outcomes.
The state's business degree landscape reveals significant variation in return on investment. This program's estimated earnings align exactly with Arkansas's median for business bachelor's degrees, putting it squarely in the middle of the pack—not disappointing, but not exceptional either. The debt estimate is actually slightly below the state median, which suggests reasonable cost control. For families watching every dollar, that matters.
Without knowing whether Arkansas Northeastern's graduates track closer to the $58,000 programs or the $36,600 programs, you're making a bet on institutional quality with limited information. If you're confident in the school's reputation and career services, the estimated financial profile appears workable. If you have doubts, the wide performance gap among Arkansas business programs suggests exploring schools with transparent outcomes data before committing.
Where Arkansas Northeastern College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,570 | $46,100* | — | $22,750* | — | |
| $30,832 | $58,390* | $56,539 | $26,566* | 0.45 | |
| $13,920 | $55,431* | $59,763 | $56,517* | 1.02 | |
| $9,748 | $49,307* | — | $29,625* | 0.60 | |
| $10,118 | $42,892* | $51,195 | $23,000* | 0.54 | |
| $7,885 | $36,606* | $36,751 | $19,500* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arkansas Northeastern College, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in AR. Actual outcomes may vary.