Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Williams Baptist University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Williams Baptist University's liberal arts program graduates carry just $18,933 in debt—roughly $8,000 less than Arkansas peers and $8,000 below the national median for these programs. That's genuinely impressive. The challenge is what graduates earn: $31,309 puts them below the Arkansas median and in the 24th percentile nationally. Among Arkansas liberal arts programs, this ranks 40th percentile—roughly middle of the pack within the state, but trailing schools like Arkansas State and UA-Little Rock by about $2,500 annually.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 is manageable, meaning graduates carry about seven months of salary in debt. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, this low-debt model clearly matters for the families attending. The smaller debt burden partially offsets the lower earnings, though the $5,000 annual gap versus the state median translates to real money over time—roughly $200,000 less over a 40-year career compared to graduates from top Arkansas programs.
The limited sample size here means a few data points swing the numbers significantly. For families prioritizing affordability and a Christian environment, Williams delivers on the debt side. Just recognize that career earnings start lower than most alternatives, including larger public universities in Arkansas that offer similar tuition rates for in-state students.
Where Williams Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities 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 Williams Baptist University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Williams Baptist University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Baptist University | $31,309 | — | $18,933 | 0.60 |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello | $41,530 | $42,582 | $20,683 | 0.50 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | $34,143 | $31,351 | $31,000 | 0.91 |
| Arkansas State University | $33,881 | $36,883 | $27,000 | 0.80 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $33,780 | $37,036 | $31,000 | 0.92 |
| John Brown University | $32,974 | — | $26,772 | 0.81 |
| National Median | $36,340 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello | $8,868 | $41,530 | $20,683 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff | $9,019 | $34,143 | $31,000 |
| Arkansas State University Jonesboro | $7,754 | $33,881 | $27,000 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock | $8,455 | $33,780 | $31,000 |
| John Brown University Siloam Springs | $30,832 | $32,974 | $26,772 |
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 Williams Baptist University, approximately 47% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.