Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests manageable loan payments for this online engineering program, though the lack of school-specific data means families are working with broader assumptions. Peer programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $69,000, which would make the estimated $25,000 debt load reasonable—roughly what you'd expect to pay off in a few years with disciplined budgeting. That's a more favorable picture than many bachelor's programs offer.
The challenge is the uncertainty. University of Arkansas Grantham serves primarily working adults online (62% receive Pell grants), and the outcomes for engineering-related fields can vary significantly based on the specific concentration and whether students already have industry experience. National benchmarks show a fairly tight earnings range—the 75th percentile is only about $5,600 higher than the median—suggesting this field has reasonably consistent outcomes. But without knowing whether Grantham's graduates track closer to those national figures or fall short, you're making this decision somewhat blind.
For a parent weighing this investment, the estimated numbers align with what makes financial sense for an engineering degree. The concern is whether this particular program—delivered online to a non-traditional student population—actually delivers those outcomes. If your child is already working in a technical field and needs the credential to advance, the flexibility may justify the uncertainty. If they're starting from scratch, programs with transparent, reported outcomes would offer more confidence in what you're paying for.
Where University of Arkansas Grantham Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering-related fields bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering-Related Fields bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,280 | $68,919* | — | $25,236* | — | |
| $62,484 | $100,788* | $141,630 | —* | — | |
| $60,952 | $79,755* | $94,324 | $26,975* | 0.34 | |
| $15,988 | $76,563* | $82,682 | $23,756* | 0.31 | |
| — | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,051 | $76,149* | $84,356 | $31,000* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $68,919* | — | $25,368* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering-related fields graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
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 Grantham, approximately 62% 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 national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.