Accounting (Bachelor's Degree) at Arkansas Tech University

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$52,373

Est. from AR median (9 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$25,316

Est. from AR median (7 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Based on comparable accounting programs across Arkansas, this degree appears positioned near the middle of the state's range—likely delivering first-year earnings around $52,000 against roughly $25,000 in debt. That 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, with graduates typically earning about twice what they owe. By year four, the reported median of $54,800 shows modest but real wage growth.

What this estimated picture doesn't capture is how Arkansas Tech specifically prepares students compared to the state's higher-earning programs. University of Arkansas Little Rock and Harding graduates report first-year earnings approaching $59,000—a meaningful $6,000 premium. Whether that gap reflects career services, recruiting relationships, or stronger local networks in Little Rock and Searcy is unclear, but it's worth investigating directly with the school's accounting department and recent alumni.

The practical question for your family: Can you verify whether Arkansas Tech's accounting graduates match these statewide estimates, or do they fall closer to the stronger outcomes seen at peer institutions? Ask the program for actual placement data—where graduates work, what they earn, and how many pass the CPA exam on their first attempt. Those specifics matter more than estimated figures drawn from programs that may operate quite differently.

Where Arkansas Tech University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Arkansas Tech University	—	$54,819	—
University of Arkansas	$57,535	$74,571	+30%
Harding University	$58,649	$74,273	+27%
University of Central Arkansas	$50,695	$63,168	+25%
University of Arkansas at Little Rock	$58,845	$61,190	+4%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (21 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville	$8,508	$52,373*	$54,819	$25,316*	—
University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock	$8,455	$58,845*	$61,190	$25,316*	0.43
Harding UniversitySearcy	$24,888	$58,649*	$74,273	$27,000*	0.46
Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro	$7,754	$58,152*	$51,504	$21,351*	0.37
University of ArkansasFayetteville	$9,748	$57,535*	$74,571	$25,914*	0.45
Strayer University-ArkansasLittle Rock	$13,920	$52,373*	$56,398	$54,989*	1.05
National Median	—	$53,694*	—	$25,000*	0.47

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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 Tech University, approximately 34% 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 9 similar programs in AR. Actual outcomes may vary.