Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Teaching salaries in Arkansas rank among the lowest nationally, and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates face that reality head-on. While first-year earnings of $40,565 beat the state median for education programs by about $800, they still trail the national average by over $1,200. More concerning: earnings actually decline to $40,007 by year four, suggesting limited salary growth even as teachers gain experience.

The program's strongest feature is its debt load—at $20,304, it's roughly $4,500 below the state median and nearly $6,000 below the national average for education programs. That translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, meaning graduates owe about six months' salary. For a profession known for modest pay but relative job security, that's workable. The 60th percentile ranking within Arkansas indicates this program delivers middle-of-the-pack outcomes for the state, though top Arkansas programs like University of Arkansas and John Brown produce graduates earning $42,000-$47,000.

If your child is committed to teaching in Arkansas and staying near Fort Smith, the low debt makes this viable—they won't be crushed by loan payments on a teacher's salary. But the flat earnings trajectory and below-national-average pay underscore that teaching in Arkansas means accepting limited financial upside. The relatively high admission rate (81%) and accessible price point serve students seeking an affordable path into education, though those with stronger credentials might consider higher-performing programs elsewhere in the state.