Analysis
A $53,500 first-year salary—drawn from comparable finance programs across Arkansas—sits right at the state median for this major, suggesting Arkansas Tech likely prepares graduates competitively within the state's market. The estimated $20,500 debt load produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months' salary, which is manageable by most standards. Nationally, finance programs typically saddle students with $23,300 in debt while producing similar earnings, putting this estimated picture slightly ahead on the debt side.
The challenge with Arkansas Tech's program is visibility: too few recent graduates for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. That could mean the program is small and selective about enrollment, or simply newer and still building scale. Either way, it leaves you estimating based on what other Arkansas finance programs deliver. The state's top programs—UA Little Rock hits $60,500, Arkansas-Fayetteville reaches $56,400—suggest there's a range of outcomes depending on the school, though none are dramatically different from what peer programs suggest for Arkansas Tech.
For a 96% admit rate school serving a third of students on Pell grants, these estimated numbers tell a reasonable story if they hold true. The debt appears controlled, and the earnings align with state norms. The uncertainty is whether this specific program delivers on that promise—something you'd need to verify through direct outreach to the school's career services or recent alumni before committing.
Where Arkansas Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,508 | $53,536* | — | $20,534* | — | |
| $8,455 | $60,521* | $49,203 | $20,152* | 0.33 | |
| $9,748 | $56,387* | $69,566 | $22,924* | 0.41 | |
| $24,888 | $53,876* | $75,356 | $27,250* | 0.51 | |
| $32,480 | $53,195* | $59,472 | $21,320* | 0.40 | |
| $10,118 | $44,343* | $58,261 | $20,000* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 6 similar programs in AR. Actual outcomes may vary.