Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.5%
- Retention Rate
- 69.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $42,386
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $199/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,402 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,402 | $29,480 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,151 | $19,500 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $22,250 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $13,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,458 | $24,625 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,980 | $12,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $37,568 | $63,324 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $21,861 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $14,848 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,565 | $17,122 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $23,199 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $19,413 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $42,386 ten years after starting at Southern Arkansas University. The typical debt load of $18,750 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 44%, which sits comfortably below the recommended 50% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $199 consume about 5.6% of median earnings, leaving room for other expenses. The 94.4% employment rate reflects the university's strength in preparing teachers and agricultural professionals for Arkansas's job market. Many graduates find work in education, farming, and regional businesses throughout the state. With relatively low debt and decent earnings potential in Arkansas's cost-of-living environment, Southern Arkansas University offers an average return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.