Business Administration, Management and Operations at Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech's Business Administration program sits in an interesting sweet spot for in-state students: it ranks at the 60th percentile among Arkansas business programs while carrying significantly lower debt than most competitors. At $21,780, graduates owe about $2,700 less than the state median and $4,200 less than the national median—a meaningful difference when you're making $41,000 four years out.

The catch is that earnings barely budge after graduation, growing just 3% over four years. Compare this to top Arkansas programs like U of A or John Brown, where graduates earn $15,000-17,000 more annually. That gap compounds dramatically over a career. Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 means graduates can reasonably manage their loans, and for students who need the access that comes with a 96% admission rate, this represents a viable path into business careers.

For families choosing between Arkansas schools, this comes down to financial aid packages and career ambitions. If your child receives substantial aid at Arkansas Tech, the lower debt burden could outweigh the earnings gap—especially if they plan to pursue graduate education later. But if they're accepted at U of A with similar net costs, the higher earning potential there would likely justify any modest increase in debt. The program works for students who need accessibility and affordability, just not for those expecting aggressive salary growth in their first years out.