Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Here's a concerning starting point: UAPB business graduates earn $35,490 in their first year—putting them in the bottom 5% nationally and $10,000 below the Arkansas median of $39,040. While the program sits at the 40th percentile within Arkansas, that's misleading context when the state's top business programs produce graduates earning $54,000-$59,000. The debt load of $27,406 exceeds Arkansas norms and creates a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77, meaning graduates carry nearly 10 months of gross income in student loans.

The 27% earnings growth to $45,141 by year four offers some relief, but these graduates are still starting from a deep hole. A $35,490 salary translates to roughly $2,200 monthly after taxes—barely enough to cover rent, loan payments, and basic expenses in most markets. For families whose students receive Pell grants (67% of UAPB students), taking on nearly $30,000 in debt for these outcomes requires serious consideration.

If your child has offers from University of Arkansas, Arkansas Tech, or even Harding, the earnings data strongly favors those alternatives. UAPB may serve students who need the access this HBCU provides, but families should understand they're likely accepting significantly lower starting earnings compared to other in-state options—even at the median Arkansas income level.