Business/Commerce at University of Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Arkansas business graduates start at $49,307—above both the national median and the state average for business programs. Among Arkansas's seven business schools, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only John Brown and Strayer but commanding a meaningful premium over larger state competitors like Central Arkansas and Henderson State. The $29,625 debt load sits in the 25th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of business programs nationwide saddle students with more debt for comparable or lower earnings.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 means graduates owe about seven months' worth of their starting salary—a manageable figure that should allow for steady repayment while building a financial foundation. At 72% admission, this isn't a ultra-selective program, yet it delivers solid outcomes without requiring families to stretch for elite private school tuition.
The caveat matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, these numbers could shift as more data comes in. But the pattern is encouraging—reasonable debt, above-average earnings, and competitive positioning within Arkansas. For families comparing in-state business options, Arkansas offers a credible middle ground between pricier private alternatives and lower-earning regional universities.
Where University of Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce 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 $49k, placing them in the 56th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $49,307 | — | $29,625 | 0.60 |
| John Brown University | $58,390 | $56,539 | $26,566 | 0.45 |
| Strayer University-Arkansas | $55,431 | $59,763 | $56,517 | 1.02 |
| University of Central Arkansas | $42,892 | $51,195 | $23,000 | 0.54 |
| Henderson State University | $36,606 | $36,751 | $19,500 | 0.53 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | $34,910 | $46,872 | $22,500 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Brown University Siloam Springs | $30,832 | $58,390 | $26,566 |
| Strayer University-Arkansas Little Rock | $13,920 | $55,431 | $56,517 |
| University of Central Arkansas Conway | $10,118 | $42,892 | $23,000 |
| Henderson State University Arkadelphia | $7,885 | $36,606 | $19,500 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia | $9,820 | $34,910 | $22,500 |
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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.