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Key Takeaways
Best artificial intelligence degree programs: U of Arkansas, U of Arkansas Grantham, Lyon College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,512 to $36,300/year
Shorter College offers the most affordable option at $4,800/yr
Artificial Intelligence degree programs available: 2 associate's, 2 master's in Arkansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Arkansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Dillards
Tech hubs in Bentonville and Little Rock
Hakia Research 2026
Artificial Intelligence degree programs near 42+ cities across Arkansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Arkansas Artificial Intelligence programs
We rank 13 accredited artificial intelligence programs in Arkansas using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Arkansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Artificial Intelligence Degree Rankings in Arkansas
Compare the top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs in Arkansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in artificial intelligence, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include U of Arkansas Grantham, Shorter College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Arkansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,940/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $47,152 in Arkansas.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Arkansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among artificial intelligence schools in Arkansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their artificial intelligence degrees in Arkansas.
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for artificial intelligence education, with 9 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Arkansas, U of Arkansas Grantham, Lyon College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Arkansas artificial intelligence programs earn a median salary of $72,871, 26% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,512 to $36,300 annually, with an average of $20,308/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 82%, with the highest reaching 86%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Arkansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking artificial intelligence degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked artificial intelligence schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | Public | $4,512 | — | 47.6 |
| #7 | Philander Smith University | Little Rock, AR | Private | $11,804 | — | 46.3 |
| #8 | Harding University | Searcy, AR | Private | $24,240 | — | 43.5 |
| #9 | Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | Private | $31,780 | — | 37.7 |
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 2 master's degree programs in artificial intelligence, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Arkansas, U of Central Arkansas, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Arkansas earn a median salary of $85,730, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $7,403/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Arkansas's artificial intelligence schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,701/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $44,253/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,425/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $106,208 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $26,552 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Students in Arkansas
State Aid Programs
Arkansas students pursuing artificial intelligence degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support, beginning with the federal aid system. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as the gateway to grants, loans, and work-study programs available to all eligible students (Federal Student Aid). Beyond federal support, Arkansas offers the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 per year to academically talented students, providing meaningful assistance for tuition and related expenses (Arkansas Division of Higher Education). This state-specific program is designed to make higher education more accessible across the state's 14 institutions offering AI programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions also provide merit-based and need-based scholarships to AI students. Top programs like the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University maintain dedicated scholarship funds to support undergraduate and graduate learners. Students should explore institutional aid packages directly through each school's financial aid office, as many scholarships target STEM disciplines specifically. The combination of federal aid, state grants, and institutional scholarships can substantially reduce the net cost of attendance. For detailed guidance on federal aid eligibility and application timelines, the Federal Student Aid website provides comprehensive resources (Federal Student Aid). Additionally, prospective students should consult the Arkansas Division of Higher Education for the most current information on state grant programs and eligibility requirements. Explore related programs in Computer Science in Arkansas and Data Science in Arkansas for additional scholarship opportunities in STEM fields.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator, Arkansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in Arkansas. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$147,619
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Artificial Intelligence Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Arkansas metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Bentonville | $94K |
| Little Rock | $90K |
| Fayetteville | $86K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Graduates in Arkansas
Find artificial intelligence jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring artificial intelligence degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers
ARArtificial Intelligence Jobs in Little Rock
ARArtificial Intelligence Jobs in Fayetteville
ARTransfer Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Degrees in Arkansas
State Transfer System
Arkansas provides streamlined pathways for students pursuing artificial intelligence degrees through its state transfer system, the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS). ACTS guarantees that courses completed at one public institution transfer seamlessly to other participating public institutions, eliminating the loss of credits and reducing time-to-degree. This is particularly valuable for students beginning their AI studies at one of Arkansas's 3 community colleges offering AI associate's degrees before transitioning to bachelor's programs at four-year universities. Community colleges such as University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College ($4,260 annual tuition), University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton ($2,688 tuition), and NorthWest Arkansas Community College ($3,480 tuition) provide foundational coursework in mathematics, computer science, and introductory AI topics at significantly lower cost than four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Students completing an associate's degree in AI can seamlessly transition to bachelor's programs at institutions like the University of Arkansas ($7,666 tuition), Arkansas State University ($7,176 tuition), or University of Arkansas at Little Rock ($6,600 tuition) through guaranteed transfer agreements. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) website provides detailed articulation information and course equivalency tables, helping students plan their transfer with confidence. Starting at a community college is an economically strategic approach, as the average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions is $6,494 compared to lower two-year costs. For students exploring related fields, Computer Science in Arkansas and Data Analytics in Arkansas programs similarly benefit from ACTS transfer guarantees. The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship supports both community college and university students, easing the financial transition between institutions.
Why Pursue an Artificial Intelligence Degree in Arkansas?
Industry & Workforce
Arkansas is a growing hub for artificial intelligence education, with 14 institutions offering AI programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. The state produced 262 AI program completions in 2023, with bachelor's degrees representing the largest share at 221 completions. The University of Arkansas leads the state with 103 completions, followed by University of Arkansas Grantham with 48 completions and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith with 29 completions. These programs prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors, positioning graduates for roles in machine learning, data science, and intelligent systems development.
Salary Outlook
Arkansas's major metropolitan areas, including the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers region and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, host major technology employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, creating strong career opportunities for AI graduates. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages $6,494, making Arkansas an affordable destination for higher education. The state's Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship awards up to $5,000 annually to academically talented students, further reducing the financial burden of pursuing an AI degree. Students interested in related fields should explore Machine Learning in Arkansas and Data Science in Arkansas programs, which offer complementary career pathways. For comparative context, see Artificial Intelligence in Texas and Artificial Intelligence in California to understand how Arkansas ranks nationally.
Artificial Intelligence Program Availability in Arkansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Artificial Intelligence Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas
Employment Outlook
Arkansas is a growing hub for artificial intelligence talent development, with 14 institutions across the state offering AI programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state's AI education pipeline produced 221 bachelor's degree completions, 17 master's degree completions, and 24 associate's degree completions in 2023, demonstrating strong workforce preparation across multiple credential levels. This educational infrastructure supports career opportunities in major metropolitan areas including the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro and the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro, which represent the state's primary technology and business hubs.
Salaries by Metro
The Arkansas job market for AI professionals is anchored by major employers investing in technology innovation. For current salary data and detailed occupational projections, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides comprehensive labor market information for Arkansas. Top-ranked programs like the University of Arkansas, which produced 103 completions, and Arkansas State University position graduates for competitive roles in the state's growing tech economy. Students interested in related career paths can explore complementary programs through our guides on Machine Learning in Arkansas and Data Science in Arkansas, which offer additional context for career development in AI-adjacent fields.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Artificial Intelligence Programs in Arkansas
Online Programs
0 available in Arkansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 62
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 177
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ
What are the best artificial intelligence degree programs in Arkansas?
How much do artificial intelligence degree programs cost in Arkansas?
What salary can artificial intelligence degree graduates earn in Arkansas?
Are there online artificial intelligence degree programs in Arkansas?
What companies hire artificial intelligence degree graduates in Arkansas?
Is an artificial intelligence degree program worth it in Arkansas?
How long do artificial intelligence degree programs take in Arkansas?
What financial aid is available for artificial intelligence degree students in Arkansas?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Arkansas salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.