Agricultural Public Services at University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas's Agricultural Public Services program outperforms the national median by 15%, placing it in the 91st percentile nationally—an impressive position for a program with manageable debt of under $20,000. The immediate career prospects look strong, with graduates earning $50,123 in their first year. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with additional data points.

The concerning part is what happens next: earnings drop to $42,243 by year four, a 16% decline that's unusual for most bachelor's programs. This could reflect the specific career paths these graduates take—perhaps moving into non-profit or public sector roles that prioritize mission over salary, or transitioning into graduate programs. Without more graduates to track, it's difficult to know whether this pattern is typical or anomalous.

The debt load is reasonable at roughly 40 cents owed for every dollar earned initially, well below problematic thresholds. For families considering this program, the key question is whether the career trajectory aligns with their child's goals. If your student is drawn to agricultural extension work, conservation, or rural development—fields where impact often matters more than peak earnings—the initial salary and low debt make this workable. Just recognize that mid-career earnings may not climb the way they do in other agricultural fields.