Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Arkansas 2025
University of Arkansas
159 computer engineering graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
Arkansas State University
10 computer engineering graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
John Brown University
12 computer engineering graduates annually, 86% graduation rate
- 1.Arkansas offers 13+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Arkansas leads with 80% graduation rate
- 3.Arkansas software developers earn median $85,730 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville
- 5.Cost of living index: 89% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in Arkansas: Overview
Arkansas offers 13 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 345 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville, with major employers including Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt.
With a median software developer salary of $85,730 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 89% compared to the US average, Arkansas offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, John Brown University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Arkansas Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | Public | $7,666 | 80% | 76 |
| 2 | Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | Public | $7,176 | 93% | 49.9 |
| 3 | John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | Private | $29,488 | 86% | 49.3 |
| 4 | Lyon College | Batesville, AR | Private | $29,900 | 79% | 48.7 |
| 5 | University of Arkansas Grantham | LIttle Rock, AR | Public | $7,080 | — | 47.6 |
| 6 | Hendrix College | Conway, AR | Private | $36,300 | — | 45.1 |
| 7 | Philander Smith University | Little Rock, AR | Private | $11,804 | — | 43.5 |
| 8 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | Public | $4,512 | — | 43 |
| 9 | Harding University | Searcy, AR | Private | $24,240 | — | 40 |
| 10 | Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | Public | $5,995 | — | 39.2 |
| 11 | Shorter College | N Little Rock, AR | Private | $4,800 | — | 37 |
| 12 | Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | Private | $31,780 | — | 36 |
| 13 | University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | Public | $7,140 | — | 33.6 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Arkansas: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Arkansas | Arkansas State | John Brown | Lyon College | U of Arkansas Grantham |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,666 | $7,176 | $29,488 | $29,900 | $7,080 |
| Graduation Rate | 80% | 93% | 86% | 79% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 159 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 23 |
| Acceptance Rate | 72% | 70% | 68% | 66% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 76.0/100 | 49.9/100 | 49.3/100 | 48.7/100 | 47.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Arkansas
Arkansas offers 11 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, John Brown University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $60,011 in the Arkansas market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Arkansas | $7,666 | 80% | 159 | 76.0 |
| #2 Arkansas State | $7,176 | 93% | 10 | 49.9 |
| #3 John Brown | $29,488 | 86% | 12 | 49.3 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Arkansas
For graduate study, Arkansas offers 3 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Arkansas, University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas Tech University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Arkansas reaching $111,449 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond Arkansas.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Arkansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Arkansas | $7,666 | 80% | 36 | 58.4 |
| #2 U of Central Arkansas | $7,140 | N/A% | 7 | 33.6 |
| #3 Arkansas Tech | $5,995 | N/A% | 1 | 28.6 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Arkansas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Arkansas are at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ($4,512/year), Shorter College ($4,800/year), Arkansas Tech University ($5,995/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Arkansas's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, a 4-year degree costs approximately $18,048 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $60,011, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Arkansas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Arkansas-Fort Smith | $4,512 | $18,048 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Shorter College | $4,800 | $19,200 | 0.8 years | Private |
| #3 Arkansas Tech | $5,995 | $23,980 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Arkansas
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Arkansas, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,666 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 159 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 76.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 159 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (159 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Arkansas Computer Engineering program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both software and hardware aspects, from programming foundations to digital design and system synthesis, preparing students for diverse roles in computing technology.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 24005 or MATH 24004 with a grade of C or better
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,176 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 49.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 10 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $29,488 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 49.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 12 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.3 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Lyon College
Batesville, AR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $29,900 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 66%
- • Ranking Score: 48.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 14 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (14 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (66% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Arkansas Grantham
LIttle Rock, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,080 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 47.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 23 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Associate of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology at UA Grantham offers a comprehensive 60-credit program with flexible online learning through eight-week courses. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge and practical application in circuit theory, digital and analog electronics, and systems troubleshooting.
Program Details
- Credits: 60 credits
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville
- You're seeking lower cost of living (89% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Walmart or Tyson Foods
- You prefer Arkansas's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Arkansas's 13)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Engineering in Arkansas FAQ
Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Arkansas-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Arkansas salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.