Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Arkansas at Monticello

Among Arkansas's 23 liberal arts programs, University of Arkansas at Monticello ranks in the 80th percentile for graduate earnings—outperforming larger institutions like Arkansas State and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. First-year graduates earn $41,530, well above both the state median ($32,924) and the national median ($36,340), while carrying just $20,683 in debt compared to the $27,000 national average. That 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable burden that leaves room for actual financial flexibility.

The caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so these numbers could shift with a larger cohort. Still, the combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates a relatively low-risk scenario compared to what this degree typically delivers elsewhere in Arkansas. Earnings growth is modest at 3% over four years, which is typical for liberal arts graduates who often need time to find their career footing.

For families looking at liberal arts programs in Arkansas, this represents a sensible in-state option. The relatively low debt load matters more than you might think—it means your child could pursue graduate school, nonprofit work, or other lower-paying but meaningful paths without crushing financial pressure.