Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

At just over $30,000 in first-year earnings, this associate's program lands below both the national median ($34,000) and the Arkansas state median ($32,800) for business management degrees. That 40th percentile ranking among Arkansas programs tells you this isn't a standout even locally—University of Arkansas Grantham graduates, for instance, earn about $5,000 more right out of the gate. The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $24,367, graduates carry substantially less than the typical bachelor's degree holder, and the 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests this is manageable debt relative to income.

The critical caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. For a family considering this program, the question becomes whether an associate's degree that produces below-average earnings in a relatively affordable state makes financial sense. With 53% of students receiving Pell grants, this college clearly serves working families who may need the flexibility of a two-year program. The modest debt and quick time-to-degree could appeal to students who need to start earning quickly, but they should understand they're likely trading speed for earning power compared to peers at other Arkansas business programs.