Education at Ouachita Baptist University

A $27,000 debt load for an education degree sounds manageable until you realize that similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,660—which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70. That's actually better than many private schools achieve, but it's complicated by the fact that Arkansas education graduates typically earn less than the national average. The state median sits at $35,155, meaning Ouachita's estimated outcomes might be optimistic if graduates stay in-state, where most teachers work near where they trained.

The reality is that teaching salaries in Arkansas remain among the lowest in the nation, and that affects every education program here. Harding graduates reportedly earn about $39,242 in their first year—close to these estimates—while University of Arkansas graduates start at $31,068. The variation suggests that school reputation and network matter, though Ouachita's selective admissions (SAT average of 1212) and relatively low Pell percentage (23%) indicate it draws students with some financial advantages who might access better-paying districts.

The core question: can your family justify $27,000 in debt for a career that likely starts in the mid-$30s in Arkansas? If your child could qualify for in-state tuition at a public university, that would substantially reduce debt for similar outcomes. If they're committed to Ouachita's environment and can graduate with minimal borrowing through scholarships or family support, the estimated numbers become more workable.