Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Strayer University-Arkansas

Strayer-Arkansas graduates start strong at $61,810—well above the $41,752 national median for IT associate degrees—but earnings slip to $57,214 by year four. That 7% decline is unusual in a field where technical skills typically compound over time. The debt load of $28,174 translates to a 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio, higher than most IT programs and potentially concerning for a two-year degree that serves predominantly lower-income students (93% receive Pell grants).

The state context matters here: with only seven Arkansas schools offering this program, Strayer's outcomes sit at the 60th percentile statewide—respectable but not exceptional given the modest in-state competition. You're paying above-median debt for middle-of-the-pack Arkansas results, even though these numbers look impressive nationally. The earnings decline suggests graduates may face limitations in career progression, possibly due to the degree's focus or the regional job market's constraints.

For families weighing this investment, the math works better than many for-profit options—first-year earnings cover the debt reasonably well. But the backwards earnings trajectory and premium pricing should prompt comparison with Arkansas's community college IT programs, which might deliver similar outcomes at significantly lower cost. If your child can access public alternatives with solid job placement, those likely offer better value for building an IT career in Arkansas.