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

The small sample size here demands caution, but even accounting for that uncertainty, this program shows a troubling pattern: graduates earn less four years out than they did at graduation. Starting at $34,143 and dropping to $31,351 represents an 8% decline during what should be prime career-building years. While UAPB serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (67%) and this program outperforms the Arkansas median by ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, other in-state options like University of Arkansas at Monticello show that significantly better outcomes ($41,530) are achievable within the state system.

The debt load of $31,000 sits below national norms but slightly above the Arkansas median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91. That means graduates leave with nearly a full year's salary in debt—manageable on paper, but concerning given the negative earnings trajectory. The program's relatively low cost is a genuine advantage, yet it doesn't offset the fundamental question of why earnings would decline rather than grow after graduation.

For families considering this program, the state percentile ranking offers a sliver of reassurance, but the earnings decline and limited sample make this a risky bet. If your child is drawn to liberal arts at a public Arkansas institution, schools like Arkansas State or UA Little Rock offer similar starting salaries with more stable enrollment patterns that might provide better data reliability.