Median Earnings (1yr)
$55,431
81st percentile (60th in AR)
Median Debt
$56,517
117% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.02
Elevated
Sample Size
2487
Adequate data

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 $56,517—more than double the national average of $26,000 and Arkansas average of $24,783—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

Strayer University-ArkansasOther business/commerce 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 $55k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all business/commerce 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

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (7 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Strayer University-Arkansas$55,431$59,763$56,5171.02
John Brown University$58,390$56,539$26,5660.45
University of Arkansas$49,307—$29,6250.60
University of Central Arkansas$42,892$51,195$23,0000.54
Henderson State University$36,606$36,751$19,5000.53
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus$34,910$46,872$22,5000.64
National Median$47,506—$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Arkansas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
John Brown University
Siloam Springs
$30,832$58,390$26,566
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville
$9,748$49,307$29,625
University of Central Arkansas
Conway
$10,118$42,892$23,000
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia
$7,885$36,606$19,500
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia
$9,820$34,910$22,500

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 2487 graduates with reported earnings and 3815 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.