Architecture at University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas graduates architecture students who earn above the national median right from the start—$51,080 versus $47,046 nationally—and those earnings climb steadily to $58,212 by year four. That 14% growth trajectory is particularly encouraging in a field where many programs see stagnant early-career wages. With debt below $28,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, graduates face manageable repayment even on entry-level salaries.

As Arkansas's only architecture program, comparisons within the state are limited, but the national perspective tells a clear story: this program lands in the 67th percentile for earnings while keeping debt near the national median. That's a solid combination for a state flagship with a 72% admission rate, suggesting the program delivers professional outcomes without requiring students to take on excessive borrowing.

The main limitation here is the moderate sample size—somewhere between 30 and 100 graduates tracked—which means individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs. Still, for families seeking an accredited architecture degree without leaving Arkansas, the numbers suggest graduates are prepared to launch careers with earnings that outpace most peer programs and debt that won't derail their financial futures.