Analysis
The reported $46,874 in earnings four years out should immediately concern parents considering this program. That figure lags behind what comparable programs suggest for recent graduates—national peers typically start around $62,000—and the backward trajectory is unusual for a quantitative business degree that should command growing salaries as graduates gain experience.
Based on peer programs nationally, students likely carry roughly $24,840 in debt at graduation, creating a manageable 0.40 ratio against estimated first-year earnings. However, that calculation assumes graduates actually reach those initial salary levels. The verified four-year number tells a different story, sitting nearly $15,000 below what similar programs deliver early on and well behind the state median of $57,257. Even Arkansas's flagship university reports stronger outcomes at the four-year mark.
For a degree in management sciences—a field built on data analysis and operational efficiency—the earnings pattern here defies typical career progression. Parents should examine why Ouachita graduates aren't tracking with state and national benchmarks. The answer might lie in regional employment opportunities, the specific curriculum focus, or where graduates land their first jobs. Whatever the cause, this program's outcomes trail what families might reasonably expect from a quantitative business credential.
Where Ouachita Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ouachita Baptist University | — | $46,874 | — |
| New York University | $102,572 | $129,049 | +26% |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $73,618 | $104,448 | +42% |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $73,618 | $104,448 | +42% |
| University of Arkansas | $57,257 | $75,471 | +32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (5 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,480 | $62,069* | $46,874 | $24,840* | — | |
| $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 Ouachita Baptist University, approximately 23% 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.