Analysis
Similar mathematics programs across Arkansas suggest first-year earnings around $41,000—notably lower than the $48,800 national median for math bachelor's degrees. That $8,000 gap matters when you're trying to pay off student loans and launch a career. The estimated $16,700 in debt falls below both the national median and what many Arkansas programs report, which provides some cushion, but the starting salary still lags behind what math graduates earn in other states.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 is manageable on paper—your child would owe less than half their first-year income. However, the bigger concern is whether Arkansas offers the career opportunities to match the degree's potential. Mathematics should open doors to analytics, finance, and tech roles that typically pay well above $41,000. If your child plans to stay in Arkansas after graduation, research where UALR math graduates actually land jobs and whether those positions utilize their quantitative skills fully.
Before committing, compare these estimated outcomes against specific career plans. If your child wants to pursue graduate school or eventually relocate to a stronger tech market, the relatively modest debt load could work in their favor. But if the goal is immediate employment in Little Rock with strong earnings, understand that comparable programs in the state suggest returns below the national norm for mathematics degrees.
Where University of Arkansas at Little Rock Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock | $8,455 | $40,993* | — | $16,711* | — |
 University of ArkansasFayetteville | $9,748 | $41,409* | $63,050 | $16,500* | 0.40 |
 University of Central ArkansasConway | $10,118 | $40,993* | — | $16,711* | 0.41 |
 Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro | $7,754 | $32,625* | $39,009 | $20,500* | 0.63 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 University of Arkansas at Little Rock, approximately 41% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in AR. Actual outcomes may vary.