Median Earnings (1yr)
$55,431
81st percentile
60th percentile in Arkansas
Median Debt
$56,517
117% above national median

Analysis

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 $56,517β€”more than double the national average of $26,000 and Arkansas average of $24,783β€”graduates 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Strayer University-ArkansasLittle Rock$13,920$55,431$59,763$56,5171.02
John Brown UniversitySiloam Springs$30,832$58,390$56,539$26,5660.45
University of ArkansasFayetteville$9,748$49,307β€”$29,6250.60
University of Central ArkansasConway$10,118$42,892$51,195$23,0000.54
Henderson State UniversityArkadelphia$7,885$36,606$36,751$19,5000.53
Southern Arkansas University Main CampusMagnolia$9,820$34,910$46,872$22,5000.64
National Medianβ€”$47,506β€”$26,0000.55

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels Production Managers

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.