Median Earnings (1yr)
$52,373
44th percentile (60th in AR)
Median Debt
$54,989
120% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.05
Elevated
Sample Size
223
Adequate data

Analysis

Strayer-Arkansas accounting graduates earn slightly above the state median ($52,373 versus $52,373 statewide) and rank in the 60th percentile among Arkansas programs—a respectable showing. The problem isn't the earnings; it's the price tag. At $54,989 in median debt, these students carry more than double what the typical Arkansas accounting graduate owes ($25,914), pushing them into the bottom 5th percentile nationally for debt levels.

This creates a challenging financial equation. While first-year earnings essentially match the debt (1.05 ratio), and income grows a reasonable 8% over four years, that's still four years of carrying debt roughly equivalent to an entire year's salary. For comparison, top Arkansas programs like UA Little Rock produce graduates earning $6,500 more annually while carrying far less debt. With 93% of students receiving Pell grants, this community is particularly vulnerable to debt burden.

The credential itself appears solid—graduates find work and earn competitive Arkansas salaries. But the financing model undermines the value. Unless your family qualifies for substantial aid beyond the typical package, this degree costs significantly more than alternatives that deliver better outcomes. Explore the state's public universities first; they offer stronger value propositions for accounting students.

Where Strayer University-Arkansas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Strayer University-ArkansasOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Strayer University-Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

Strayer University-Arkansas graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Strayer University-Arkansas$52,373$56,398$54,9891.05
University of Arkansas at Little Rock$58,845$61,190$25,3160.43
Harding University$58,649$74,273$27,0000.46
Arkansas State University$58,152$51,504$21,3510.37
University of Arkansas$57,535$74,571$25,9140.45
University of Central Arkansas$50,695$63,168$19,5000.38
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Arkansas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock
$8,455$58,845$25,316
Harding University
Searcy
$24,888$58,649$27,000
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro
$7,754$58,152$21,351
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville
$9,748$57,535$25,914
University of Central Arkansas
Conway
$10,118$50,695$19,500

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 Strayer University-Arkansas, approximately 93% 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 223 graduates with reported earnings and 324 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.