Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith$36,407
University of Central Arkansas$43,106
University of Arkansas$41,782$23,8810.57
Arkansas State University$35,970$39,965
Harding University$35,582$40,020
John Brown University$24,893$38,788$20,5000.82
National Median$33,563$26,8800.80

Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Arkansas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Central Arkansas
Conway
$10,118$43,106
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville
$9,748$41,782$23,881
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro
$7,754$35,970
Harding University
Searcy
$24,888$35,582
John Brown University
Siloam Springs
$30,832$24,893$20,500

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.