Median Earnings (1yr)
$56,456
87th percentile
80th percentile in Arkansas
Median Debt
$21,500
17% below national median

Analysis

University of Arkansas's business program significantly outperforms both state and national expectations, ranking in the 87th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Arkansasβ€”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 0.38β€”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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Arkansas$56,456$69,084+22%
John Brown University$54,982$64,771+18%
Harding University$40,081$59,470+48%
University of Arkansas Grantham$59,009$58,286-1%
University of Arkansas at Little Rock$39,022$51,636+32%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (21 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of ArkansasFayetteville$9,748$56,456$69,084$21,5000.38
University of Arkansas GranthamLIttle Rock$8,280$59,009$58,286$39,2690.67
John Brown UniversitySiloam Springs$30,832$54,982$64,771$27,0000.49
Harding UniversitySearcy$24,888$40,081$59,470$27,7500.69
Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville$8,508$39,866$41,009$21,7800.55
University of Arkansas-Fort SmithFort Smith$6,906$39,057$42,588$19,1480.49
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.