Analysis
A bachelor's in Management Sciences typically launches graduates toward $62,000 in first-year earnings nationally, though Arkansas programs often start lower—the University of Arkansas reports $57,257 for its graduates in this field. Arkansas Tech's program likely falls somewhere in this range, with estimated debt of around $22,800 based on typical borrowing patterns at similar institutions. That debt load translates to monthly payments under $250 over ten years, making it manageable against even the more conservative Arkansas earnings baseline.
The real question is trajectory. Management Sciences programs prepare students for operations research, analytics, and strategic planning roles—positions that typically see strong salary growth as graduates gain experience. The sub-0.4 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests reasonable financial positioning at launch, especially for students who can minimize borrowing through scholarships or family support. Arkansas Tech's 96% admission rate and solid Pell enrollment indicate accessibility for students from varied economic backgrounds.
Without program-specific data, your best move is contacting Arkansas Tech directly about recent graduate outcomes and employer connections. Ask about internship placement rates and whether graduates tend to stay in Arkansas (where salaries run lower) or migrate to regional hubs where quantitative skills command higher premiums. The math works on paper, but knowing where this program's alumni actually land will tell you whether it delivers on that promise.
Where Arkansas Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,508 | $62,069* | — | $22,789* | — | |
| $9,748 | $57,257* | $75,471 | $22,655* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $62,069* | — | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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 national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.