Business/Commerce at Arkansas State University-Beebe

Starting at under $24,000 annually, graduates of this associate's program earn roughly 35% less than the typical Arkansas business associate's graduate ($32,334) and rank in just the 5th percentile nationally. While the $8,000 debt load is manageable—well below both state and national medians—the initial earnings are concerning. For context, other Arkansas community colleges like Cossatot and UA-Pulaski Tech produce business grads earning $36,000-$44,000 right out of the gate, suggesting significantly stronger employment outcomes elsewhere in the state.

The silver lining is substantial earnings growth: by year four, graduates reach $35,191, approaching the state median. This 49% jump suggests the degree may serve as a stepping stone rather than a career credential. However, with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year, making them less reliable for planning purposes.

The bottom line: this program combines very low initial earnings with low debt, which limits downside risk but doesn't solve the fundamental problem of below-market compensation. If your child is considering business programs in Arkansas, compare outcomes carefully—several in-state alternatives deliver $10,000+ more in first-year earnings for similar or even lower debt loads.