Median Earnings (1yr)
$52,373
44th percentile
60th percentile in Arkansas
Median Debt
$54,989
120% above national median

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 programsβ€”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 solidβ€”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

Earnings Distribution

How Strayer University-Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Strayer University-Arkansas$52,373$56,398+8%
University of Arkansas$57,535$74,571+30%
Harding University$58,649$74,273+27%
University of Central Arkansas$50,695$63,168+25%
University of Arkansas at Little Rock$58,845$61,190+4%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

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

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Strayer University-ArkansasLittle Rock$13,920$52,373$56,398$54,9891.05
University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock$8,455$58,845$61,190$25,3160.43
Harding UniversitySearcy$24,888$58,649$74,273$27,0000.46
Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro$7,754$58,152$51,504$21,3510.37
University of ArkansasFayetteville$9,748$57,535$74,571$25,9140.45
University of Central ArkansasConway$10,118$50,695$63,168$19,5000.38
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.