Analysis
In Arkansas, marketing bachelor's programs show a wide spread in outcomes—from $38,000 to over $50,000 in early earnings. Based on comparable programs statewide, UA-Fort Smith's marketing degree likely positions graduates around the middle of this range, with estimated first-year earnings of $45,400 and debt around $21,500. That debt load translates to a manageable ratio of 0.47, meaning roughly $2 in earnings for every dollar borrowed. By year four, actual reported earnings climb to nearly $50,000, suggesting steady income growth that aligns with stronger programs in the state.
What makes this estimate more reliable is that it's drawn from only four marketing programs across Arkansas—a small peer group that includes both higher-performing schools like UA-Fayetteville and lower-performing ones like Central Arkansas. The estimated debt is similarly conservative, coming in below both state and national medians. For families prioritizing affordability, that's meaningful: lower borrowing paired with mid-range earnings creates breathing room for loan repayment while graduates establish themselves professionally.
The practical takeaway: This program appears positioned to deliver solid middle-of-the-pack outcomes for Arkansas marketing graduates, with debt levels that won't constrain early-career options. While the exact figures for UA-Fort Smith grads remain uncertain, the surrounding data suggests a reasonable investment—particularly if your student can keep borrowing below that $21,500 threshold.
Where University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing 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 | — | $49,525 | — |
| University of Pennsylvania | $82,553 | $117,639 | +43% |
| University of Arkansas | $50,045 | $66,956 | +34% |
| University of Central Arkansas | $38,011 | $38,602 | +2% |
| Arkansas State University | $44,051 | $35,744 | -19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,906 | $45,395* | $49,525 | $21,500* | — | |
| $9,748 | $50,045* | $66,956 | $21,500* | 0.43 | |
| $24,888 | $46,738* | — | $27,000* | 0.58 | |
| $7,754 | $44,051* | $35,744 | $26,241* | 0.60 | |
| $10,118 | $38,011* | $38,602 | $20,633* | 0.54 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728* | — | $24,267* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
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 4 similar programs in AR. Actual outcomes may vary.