Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Arkansas's business program significantly outperforms both state and national expectations, ranking in the 87th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Arkansas—impressive given the competitive landscape. With median earnings of $56,456 in the first year, graduates earn nearly $45% more than the typical Arkansas business graduate and 23% above the national median. Among Arkansas schools, only University of Arkansas Grantham edges slightly higher, making this a clear standout in the state.
The debt picture adds to the appeal. At $21,500, graduates carry about $3,000 less debt than Arkansas peers and $4,500 below the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38—meaning debt represents less than five months of starting salary. Strong earnings growth of 22% by year four brings median pay to $69,084, demonstrating the program builds valuable career momentum.
For parents weighing options, this represents solid value: a respected state flagship delivering top-tier outcomes at below-average cost. The 72% admission rate makes it accessible, while the robust sample size of 100+ graduates provides confidence these results are reliable rather than statistical noise.
Where University of Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Arkansas graduates earn $56k, placing them in the 87th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $56,456 | $69,084 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | $59,009 | $58,286 | $39,269 | 0.67 |
| John Brown University | $54,982 | $64,771 | $27,000 | 0.49 |
| Harding University | $40,081 | $59,470 | $27,750 | 0.69 |
| Arkansas Tech University | $39,866 | $41,009 | $21,780 | 0.55 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | $39,057 | $42,588 | $19,148 | 0.49 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock | $8,280 | $59,009 | $39,269 |
| John Brown University Siloam Springs | $30,832 | $54,982 | $27,000 |
| Harding University Searcy | $24,888 | $40,081 | $27,750 |
| Arkansas Tech University Russellville | $8,508 | $39,866 | $21,780 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith | $6,906 | $39,057 | $19,148 |
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 408 graduates with reported earnings and 381 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.