Business/Commerce at Strayer University-Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
strayer.edu/campus-locations/arkansas/little-rockAnalysis
Strayer University-Arkansas delivers strong earning power for business graduates, with first-year salaries of $55,431 that significantly outpace both national ($47,506) and Arkansas ($46,100) medians. This program ranks in the 81st percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Arkansas, placing it among the state's top performers alongside John Brown University and ahead of flagship University of Arkansas.
However, this earning potential comes at a premium price. With median debt of $56,517βmore than double the national average of $26,000 and Arkansas average of $24,783βgraduates face one of the highest debt loads in the country (5th percentile nationally). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.02 means graduates typically owe about as much as they earn in their first year, creating significant financial pressure early in their careers.
The program serves predominantly Pell Grant recipients (93%), suggesting it successfully helps lower-income students access higher earnings. While the 8% earnings growth over four years is modest, the strong initial salary helps justify the investment for students who might otherwise lack access to business education. For families comfortable with higher debt levels in exchange for competitive earning potential, this program delivers results, but those seeking lower-cost options should consider University of Arkansas or other state alternatives.
Where Strayer University-Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University-Arkansas | $55,431 | $59,763 | +8% |
| John Brown University | $58,390 | $56,539 | -3% |
| University of Central Arkansas | $42,892 | $51,195 | +19% |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | $34,910 | $46,872 | +34% |
| Henderson State University | $36,606 | $36,751 | +0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,920 | $55,431 | $59,763 | $56,517 | 1.02 | |
| $30,832 | $58,390 | $56,539 | $26,566 | 0.45 | |
| $9,748 | $49,307 | β | $29,625 | 0.60 | |
| $10,118 | $42,892 | $51,195 | $23,000 | 0.54 | |
| $7,885 | $36,606 | $36,751 | $19,500 | 0.53 | |
| $9,820 | $34,910 | $46,872 | $22,500 | 0.64 | |
| National Median | β | $47,506 | β | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 2487 graduates with reported earnings and 3815 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.