Accounting at University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas accounting program hits the right financial notes: graduates carry just $19,500 in debt—about $6,000 less than the Arkansas median and well below the national figure. That's a significant advantage for an open-access institution where nearly 40% of students receive Pell grants. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates can reasonably pay off their loans within three years while building their careers.

The earnings story requires some context. Starting at $50,695 puts UCA graduates below both state and national medians, and among Arkansas's 21 accounting programs, this ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack. However, the 25% earnings growth to $63,168 by year four shows solid progression as graduates gain certifications and experience. While top Arkansas programs like UA Little Rock and Harding start their graduates about $8,000 higher, they also typically saddle students with more debt and serve different student populations.

For families seeking an affordable path to a stable accounting career, this program delivers clear value. Your child graduates with manageable debt and enters a profession with reliable demand and room for growth. The lower starting salary is the tradeoff for accessibility and affordability—a reasonable exchange for students who might otherwise struggle to access quality accounting education or who need to minimize financial risk.