Analysis
University of Arkansas math graduates start at $41,409—below the national median but right in line with what other Arkansas math programs deliver, ranking 60th percentile in the state. The modest $16,500 debt load creates a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaningfully lower than both the national and state median debt for this degree. That's important in Arkansas, where earning $41,000 fresh out of college actually represents solid positioning for the state's economy.
The trajectory looks promising: earnings jump 52% to $63,050 by year four, suggesting these graduates successfully transition into analyst, actuarial, or technical roles. While the first-year number trails the national average by about $7,000, the combination of low debt and strong growth mitigates that gap. For Arkansas families, paying roughly $3,000 less in debt than typical in-state peers while achieving middle-of-the-pack earnings creates reasonable value.
The catch here matters: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary widely. One or two high earners or career changers can skew these numbers. If your child is genuinely committed to mathematics and likely to pursue quantitative careers, the fundamentals work—affordable debt and respectable state-level earnings. Just recognize you're making this decision with limited outcome data from this specific program.
Where University of Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $41,409 | $63,050 | +52% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | +66% |
| Cornell University | $87,251 | $127,962 | +47% |
| Vanderbilt University | $103,812 | $125,955 | +21% |
| Arkansas State University | $32,625 | $39,009 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,748 | $41,409 | $63,050 | $16,500 | 0.40 | |
| $10,118 | $40,993 | — | $16,711 | 0.41 | |
| $7,754 | $32,625 | $39,009 | $20,500 | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.