Business/Commerce at University of Central Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas business graduates start at $42,892—below both the state median ($46,100) and national median ($47,506). Among Arkansas's seven business programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile, trailing the University of Arkansas by $6,400 annually and significantly behind John Brown University's $58,390. That gap compounds quickly: over a decade, the earnings difference versus John Brown could exceed $150,000.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $23,000, graduates borrow less than both state and national medians, and the 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio means the typical graduate needs roughly half their first year's salary to cover loans—manageable compared to many programs. Earnings do grow 19% by year four, reaching $51,195, though that still lags Arkansas's median for business majors.

For families prioritizing affordability at an accessible institution (90% admission rate), this program delivers a business degree without crushing debt. But the earnings disadvantage is real and persistent. If your child has competitive credentials, the University of Arkansas offers meaningfully better outcomes for similar debt. UCA makes sense primarily for students who need the accessibility or prefer the Conway campus, understanding they're trading some earning power for lower barriers to entry.