University of Central Arkansas

What are the graduation rates for students at University of Central Arkansas?

The graduation rates at University of Central Arkansas indicate that just over half of the students complete their programs within six years. Specifically, the six-year graduation rate stands at 53%, placing the university in the lower half nationally with a percentile rank near 43%. For those aiming to finish earlier, only 40% graduate within four years, a performance similarly situated in the bottom 45% of comparable institutions.

Retention figures mirror these outcomes, with approximately 73% of students returning after their first year, which also ranks in the lower 45% nationally. Examining these rates by gender reveals a modest difference: 55% of women graduate overall compared to 50% of men, with women's completion rates consistently slightly higher but still within the lower national quartiles.

These statistics suggest that prospective students should consider the likelihood of extended study periods when planning their academic paths at University of Central Arkansas. While detailed graduation data broken down by specific majors or degree types is not available, the overall completion trends point to challenges in timely degree attainment at this institution.

What is the earning potential for graduates at University of Central Arkansas?

Graduates from the University of Central Arkansas experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Those with degrees in technology and health-related disciplines tend to earn the highest salaries shortly after graduation. For example, graduates with a degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing report average earnings of $56,174, making it one of the most lucrative paths at the university. Similarly, Computer and Information Sciences, General majors earn an average of $51,827, and those specializing in Management Information Systems and Services earn around $48,462.

Among other high earners, students with degrees in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions have median earnings near $49,361, while Accounting and Related Services graduates earn approximately $45,080. Mathematics graduates also see significant earnings, with an average of $42,490, followed by Business Administration, Management, and Operations majors at $36,173. Finance and Financial Management Services graduates report an average income around $36,389, and those in Teacher Education and Professional Development for specific subject areas earn roughly $39,792.

Mid-range salaries appear among students in fields like Music, which offers an average starting income near $35,220, and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at $31,149. Communications and journalism-related programs yield somewhat lower earnings, such as Journalism at $30,505 and Communication and Media Studies, although earnings data is not fully available for the latter.

On the other end of the spectrum, some arts and humanities majors tend to have lower initial earnings. Drama/Theatre Arts graduates earn an average of $16,581, which is notably on the lower end compared to other fields. Degrees in Philosophy, Political Science and Government, and Sociology provide modest salaries generally ranging from about $20,000 to $26,000, with Political Science majors averaging $25,699 and Sociology graduates around $25,262. English Language and Literature holders earn approximately $28,531, while Biological sciences majors like Biology and Psychology average in the mid-$20,000s.

The diversity in income among graduates highlights the importance of carefully considering degree choice relative to career goals. Fields linked to technology, healthcare, and business offer stronger earning prospects, whereas some arts and social sciences provide lower initial salaries but may offer other non-monetary benefits or longer-term career growth opportunities.