Design and Applied Arts at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Southern Arkansas University's Design and Applied Arts program produces graduates earning $22,016 one year out—landing in the 10th percentile statewide and 5th percentile nationally. That's roughly $13,500 less than what graduates from University of Central Arkansas or University of Arkansas earn in the same field. In Arkansas, where the median for this program is already $35,582, these outcomes are particularly weak. The debt load of $25,559 means graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.16, requiring more than a full year's salary to pay off their loans.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) is a critical caveat—these numbers could swing significantly year to year. However, even accounting for statistical noise, the gap between this program and others in Arkansas is substantial. When competing programs in your own state deliver 60-95% higher earnings, that's a meaningful signal about job market outcomes and employer preferences.

For families considering this program, the financial math is challenging. At $22,016, graduates may struggle to manage loan payments while covering basic living expenses. If your child is set on design and applied arts, either explore stronger programs elsewhere in Arkansas or ensure they have a specific career plan that justifies attending here—perhaps family ties to local employers or a scholarship package that dramatically reduces that $25,559 debt figure.