Marketing at University of Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Arkansas marketing graduates start strong and get stronger, with earnings jumping 34% from $50,045 in year one to nearly $67,000 by year four. This growth trajectory outpaces most marketing programs nationally, placing Arkansas in the 75th percentile for graduate earnings. The $21,500 median debt load creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, meaning graduates typically owe less than half their first-year salary.
Within Arkansas, this program holds the 60th percentile position among the state's 13 marketing programs, performing solidly above the state median of $45,394. The debt burden also runs lower than both state and national averages, giving graduates more financial breathing room early in their careers. With a robust sample size of 100+ graduates, these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than statistical noise.
The combination of above-average starting salaries, strong earnings growth, and below-average debt makes this a financially sound choice for marketing students. Arkansas delivers better outcomes than most marketing programs nationwide while keeping debt reasonable—a winning formula for students who want to enter marketing without the financial strain that often accompanies business degrees at other institutions.
Where University of Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing 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 $50k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all marketing 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
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $50,045 | $66,956 | $21,500 | 0.43 |
| Harding University | $46,738 | — | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| Arkansas State University | $44,051 | $35,744 | $26,241 | 0.60 |
| University of Central Arkansas | $38,011 | $38,602 | $20,633 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harding University Searcy | $24,888 | $46,738 | $27,000 |
| Arkansas State University Jonesboro | $7,754 | $44,051 | $26,241 |
| University of Central Arkansas Conway | $10,118 | $38,011 | $20,633 |
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 349 graduates with reported earnings and 328 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.