Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech's business operations program starts with first-year earnings slightly above both state and national averages, but the backwards trajectory should concern parents. Graduates earn $29,476 initially, then see their income drop to $25,787 by year four—a 12% decline that's unusual for any degree program. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual circumstances heavily influence these figures, the pattern suggests this associate's degree may not be opening doors to career advancement.

The $19,050 in typical debt sits right at the median for this field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 initially. However, as earnings decline, that debt burden becomes relatively heavier over time. Among Arkansas's 13 programs in this field, this one performs at the median level—neither standing out as exceptional nor particularly problematic. Nationally, it ranks in the middle of the pack at the 58th percentile.

For families considering this path, the earnings decline raises questions about whether graduates are finding career-track positions or entry-level jobs that don't require a degree at all. The wide admission standards (96% acceptance rate) suggest Arkansas Tech serves many students who need affordable local options, but parents should verify what specific career outcomes recent graduates have achieved before investing in this particular program. A certificate or direct workforce entry might deliver similar earnings without the debt.