Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

UALR's business administration program sits almost exactly at the Arkansas median for earnings—$39,022 versus the state's $39,040—but carries notably higher debt than typical in-state alternatives. While graduating with $36,219 in loans versus Arkansas's program median of $24,500 isn't catastrophic, it means your child starts with nearly a full year's salary in debt, a heavier burden than most competitors impose.

The 32% earnings growth to $51,636 by year four is the program's strongest selling point. That trajectory suggests graduates find their footing after a modest start, though they remain well behind Arkansas's flagship ($56,456) and private options like John Brown and Harding. The national comparison is less flattering—21st percentile means 79% of similar programs nationwide produce better early earnings. For families considering out-of-state alternatives, that gap matters.

The real question is whether you're comfortable with above-average debt for middle-of-the-pack Arkansas outcomes. If your child will live at home and minimize borrowing, this program delivers reasonable value with solid upward earnings momentum. But if they're taking the full debt load, nearby Arkansas Tech offers similar earnings ($39,866) with typically lower debt, while the flagship university justifies higher costs with substantially better outcomes. The earnings growth is encouraging, but starting $12,000 deeper in debt than state peers means playing catch-up before you can get ahead.