Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The small sample size here makes any conclusion tentative, but the available data suggests this program struggles to deliver earnings that justify even moderate debt loads. Graduates earn $28,206 in their first year—about $3,500 below the state median for this field and nearly $4,000 below the national average. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.99 isn't catastrophic, it means graduates are carrying nearly a full year's salary in loans for a career that starts below $30,000.

The 17th percentile national ranking is particularly stark. Among Arkansas programs, this one sits at the 40th percentile, trailing University of Central Arkansas by nearly $3,000 in first-year earnings. For a field where income typically remains modest (the national median is just $31,748), starting this far behind creates long-term financial pressure. The near-flat earnings growth—just 2% over four years—suggests graduates aren't quickly climbing into better-paying positions.

For families already stretching to afford college, especially the 67% of students here receiving Pell grants, borrowing $28,000 for sub-$30,000 earnings presents a difficult payoff timeline. If your child is passionate about family and consumer sciences, exploring higher-performing programs within Arkansas would be worth the effort, even if it means considering options beyond UAPB.