Analysis
University of Arkansas accounting graduates start at $57,535—already $4,000 above the national median—and see their earnings jump 30% to nearly $75,000 within four years. That's the kind of salary trajectory that makes an accounting degree valuable, and it places this program in the 64th percentile nationally. Among Arkansas accounting programs, it ranks solidly in the middle of the pack, trailing only a few in-state competitors like UA Little Rock and Harding by a slim margin while significantly outperforming others.
The debt picture reinforces the value here: at $26,000, graduates carry manageable debt that represents just 45% of first-year earnings. This means most students could realistically pay off their loans within a few years while building savings. With a 72% admission rate, this program offers accessibility without sacrificing outcomes—a rare combination for a flagship state university program.
For Arkansas families, this represents a solid in-state investment that delivers competitive starting salaries and strong earning potential. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms these aren't outlier results. If your child is considering accounting and prefers staying in Arkansas, this program delivers reliable career outcomes at a reasonable cost.
Where University of Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arkansas graduates compare to all 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 | $57,535 | $74,571 | +30% |
| Harding University | $58,649 | $74,273 | +27% |
| University of Central Arkansas | $50,695 | $63,168 | +25% |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $58,845 | $61,190 | +4% |
| Strayer University-Arkansas | $52,373 | $56,398 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of ArkansasFayetteville | $9,748 | $57,535 | $74,571 | $25,914 | 0.45 |
 University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock | $8,455 | $58,845 | $61,190 | $25,316 | 0.43 |
 Harding UniversitySearcy | $24,888 | $58,649 | $74,273 | $27,000 | 0.46 |
 Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro | $7,754 | $58,152 | $51,504 | $21,351 | 0.37 |
 Strayer University-ArkansasLittle Rock | $13,920 | $52,373 | $56,398 | $54,989 | 1.05 |
 University of Central ArkansasConway | $10,118 | $50,695 | $63,168 | $19,500 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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, approximately 17% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 113 graduates with reported earnings and 135 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.