Analysis
Accounting programs in Arkansas show a tight earnings band, and similar programs suggest University of Arkansas-Fort Smith lands right in the middle. Comparable programs across the state typically produce first-year earnings around $52,373, climbing to $59,043 by year four—a trajectory that mirrors the national median for accounting degrees. At an estimated $25,316 in debt, the financial commitment appears manageable, with graduates needing roughly six months of gross income to cover their student loans.
The four-year earnings figure reveals something important: this program tracks closely with several flagship institutions in the state, all clustering between $52,000 and $59,000. Only a few Arkansas schools break meaningfully above that range. For a regional university with an 81% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students, matching the performance of larger state universities suggests solid employer reception for UAFS accounting graduates.
The 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio positions this program favorably compared to many undergraduate degrees. Parents should recognize that the specific figures here are drawn from peer programs rather than UAFS's own outcomes, but the consistency across Arkansas accounting programs—and alignment with national benchmarks—indicates a relatively standardized job market for entry-level accountants. If your child can complete the degree near the estimated debt level and doesn't mind starting in the mid-$50s, this appears to be a practical path into a stable profession.
Where University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | — | $59,043 | — |
| University of Arkansas | $57,535 | $74,571 | +30% |
| Harding University | $58,649 | $74,273 | +27% |
| University of Central Arkansas | $50,695 | $63,168 | +25% |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $58,845 | $61,190 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,906 | $52,373* | $59,043 | $25,316* | — | |
| $8,455 | $58,845* | $61,190 | $25,316* | 0.43 | |
| $24,888 | $58,649* | $74,273 | $27,000* | 0.46 | |
| $7,754 | $58,152* | $51,504 | $21,351* | 0.37 | |
| $9,748 | $57,535* | $74,571 | $25,914* | 0.45 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989* | 1.05 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694* | — | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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-Fort Smith, approximately 39% 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 9 similar programs in AR. Actual outcomes may vary.