Analysis
Southern Arkansas University Tech's interdisciplinary studies associate program produces graduates earning $43,756 just one year out—roughly $11,000 above the national median for this degree and landing in the 95th percentile nationally. With debt of just $9,625, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross earnings. For a two-year program serving a student body where 41% receive Pell grants, these outcomes represent exceptional value.
The state comparison is less straightforward since SAU Tech is currently the only Arkansas school reporting data for this particular associate-level program. However, the national comparison tells a clear story: this program dramatically outperforms similar interdisciplinary studies degrees elsewhere. The typical graduate from this program type nationally earns just $32,276—a $11,000 gap that compounds over a career.
For parents weighing community college options in southern Arkansas, this program offers a rare combination: low debt, strong immediate earnings, and outcomes that place it among the top-performing interdisciplinary programs in the country. The moderate sample size suggests consistent rather than anomalous results. This is precisely the kind of affordable credential that can launch a career without the burden of substantial debt.
Where Southern Arkansas University Tech Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Arkansas University Tech graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Southern Arkansas University TechCamden | $4,685 | $43,756 | — | $9,625 | 0.22 |
 Victoria CollegeVictoria | $2,853 | $32,276 | — | $7,829 | 0.24 |
 Oklahoma State University Institute of TechnologyOkmulgee | $5,774 | $26,451 | — | $14,250 | 0.54 |
| National Median | — | $32,276 | — | $9,625 | 0.30 |
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 Southern Arkansas University Tech, approximately 41% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.