University of Central Arkansas demonstrates around the national average return on investment, ranking at the 41.7th percentile with typical performance. The institution produces earnings beyond expectations of negative $982, placing it at the 51.7th percentile nationally, indicating that graduates achieve outcomes roughly in line with predictions based on student demographics and program mix. Median earnings of $45,938 rank at the 29th percentile nationally, reflecting modest absolute earnings levels.
Compared to peer institutions, University of Central Arkansas graduates earn $4,178 less annually than the peer median of $50,116. However, student debt of $20,346 remains close to the peer median of $21,105, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. This combination suggests that while earnings are modest, debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, supporting reasonable return on educational investment over time.
University of Central Arkansas graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $36,670 six years after enrollment to $42,426 at eight years and $45,938 at ten years, representing 25.3% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on cohorts ranging from 2,962 to 3,229 graduates, providing strong confidence in the reported figures.
Earnings span from $28,642 at the 25th percentile to $65,378 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.3:1 ratio between top and bottom quartile outcomes. Low-income graduates earn $37,900, demonstrating that students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve reasonable economic outcomes. Approximately 24.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The earnings trajectory shows consistent upward movement, suggesting strong career advancement potential for graduates.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at University of Central Arkansas show meaningful variation across programs and career trajectories. The gap between the 25th percentile ($28,642) and 75th percentile ($65,378) demonstrates diverse post-graduation pathways, with some graduates achieving significantly higher earnings than others.
Top-earning programs include Accounting Technology ($63,168), Adult Health Nursing ($62,853), and Artificial Intelligence ($59,965), while other programs like Family and Consumer Sciences ($36,590) and Psychology ($38,715) produce more modest earnings. This variation reflects both program selection and career field differences, with technical and health-related programs generally commanding higher salaries in the labor market.
Financial justification for the investment.
The earnings distribution at University of Central Arkansas shows meaningful variation in graduate outcomes. Earnings span from $28,642 at the 25th percentile to $65,378 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.3:1 ratio between top and bottom quartile outcomes. Low-income graduates earn $37,900, demonstrating that students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve solid economic outcomes. This range reflects diverse program offerings and career paths, with mobility potential for students across economic backgrounds.
Approximately 24.4% of University of Central Arkansas graduates continue to graduate or professional study, based on high-confidence program mix analysis. This substantial continuation rate indicates balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways, supporting diverse post-graduation goals.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings demonstrate significant variation across University of Central Arkansas academic offerings. Accounting Technology leads with $63,168 median earnings, followed by Adult Health Nursing at $62,853 and Artificial Intelligence at $59,965. These top-performing programs concentrate in technical and healthcare fields that command higher labor market premiums.
Contrasting outcomes appear in programs like Family and Consumer Sciences ($36,590) and Psychology ($38,715), which serve different career preparation purposes including graduate school pathways. Business programs show internal variation from Digital Marketing ($38,602) to Banking and Financial Services ($58,261). This diversity supports the institution's role in serving students with varied career objectives, from immediate high-earning employment to advanced degree preparation.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
The earnings distribution at University of Central Arkansas shows meaningful variation in graduate outcomes. Earnings span from $28,642 at the 25th percentile to $65,378 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.3:1 ratio between top and bottom quartile outcomes. Low-income graduates earn $37,900, demonstrating that students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve solid economic outcomes. This range reflects diverse program offerings and career paths, with mobility potential for students across economic backgrounds.
