🥇
$7,896
Tuition/yr
71%
Grad rate
76.8
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, John Brown
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
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 2 associate's, 3 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
Computer Engineering 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 Computer Engineering programs
We rank 16 accredited computer engineering 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Arkansas Worth It?
Answer
$85,730
Yes. The best computer engineering degree programs in Arkansas deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $85,730 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $15,991/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in Arkansas
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in Arkansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in Arkansas
4
Programs ranked
$11,397
Avg tuition/yr
57%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 11 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, John Brown, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Arkansas computer engineering 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 $17,813/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, with the highest reaching 93%. 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 computer engineering degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in Arkansas
1
Programs ranked
$7,896
Avg tuition/yr
71%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 3 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Arkansas, U of Central Arkansas, Arkansas Tech, 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 $6,934/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 computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$7,896
Tuition/yr
71%
Grad rate
72.1
Hakia Score
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $15,991/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $39,978/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,998/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $95,948 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $23,986 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in Arkansas
State Aid Programs
Arkansas computer engineering students have access to multiple layers of financial support, starting with federal aid programs available through Federal Student Aid. All prospective students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The Arkansas Division of Higher Education administers state-specific programs designed to support Arkansas residents pursuing higher education in technical fields like computer engineering.
Key Programs & Amounts
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is a key state program that awards up to $5,000 per year to academically talented students, making it a significant resource for qualifying computer engineering majors (Arkansas Division of Higher Education). Many institutions also offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. Students should contact financial aid offices at their chosen school to explore institution-specific opportunities. For detailed guidance on federal aid eligibility and application procedures, StudentAid.gov provides comprehensive resources. Prospective students exploring other states' options can reference Computer Engineering programs nationally for comparison of aid availability across regions.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Arkansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering 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.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$133,333
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
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
Computer Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Arkansas metro areas
Bentonville$94K
Little Rock$90K
Fayetteville$86K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Bentonville | $94K |
| Little Rock | $90K |
| Fayetteville | $86K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in Arkansas
Find computer engineering jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers
ARWalmart Global Tech
tech
Sam's Club Tech
retail-tech
J.B. Hunt Transport
logistics
Tyson Foods
food-tech
Computer Engineering Jobs in Little Rock
ARDillards
retail
Acxiom
data
Windstream
telecom
Computer Engineering Jobs in Fayetteville
ARUniversity of Arkansas
education
Walmart
retail-tech
Transfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in Arkansas
State Transfer System
Arkansas provides structured pathways for students to begin computer engineering studies at two-year institutions and transfer seamlessly to four-year programs. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) is a state-level agreement that guarantees course transfer credit among all public institutions, eliminating the risk of lost credits during transfer. This system is particularly valuable for computer engineering students, as prerequisite courses in mathematics, physics, and programming completed at a community college automatically count toward bachelor's degree requirements. Arkansas hosts 25 two-year institutions, with 3 offering computer engineering associate's degrees. Top-ranked options include University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College ($4,260 tuition), University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton ($2,688 tuition), and NorthWest Arkansas Community College ($3,480 tuition). Students can save significantly on foundational coursework before transferring to four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between specific community colleges and universities streamline the transfer process further. For example, students completing coursework at Arkansas community colleges can transition directly to bachelor's programs at the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, University of Central Arkansas, or Arkansas Tech University. The Arkansas Division of Higher Education maintains current transfer agreements and guides students through the process. Transfer students often benefit from lower total cost of attendance and reduced time to degree completion. Many programs, including those ranked among National best programs, actively recruit transfer students. Students considering this pathway should also explore Computer Science in Arkansas and Information Technology in Arkansas options, as related programs may enhance career flexibility and provide alternative pathways to engineering-adjacent fields.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in Arkansas?
Industry & Workforce
Arkansas offers a strong computer engineering education landscape with 19 institutions offering programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, the state produced 333 bachelor's degree completions, 44 master's degrees, and 24 associate's degrees in computer engineering, demonstrating strong pathways from two-year to four-year institutions. The University of Arkansas leads the state with 195 completions, establishing itself as a major hub for computer engineering talent development. For students seeking quality education at competitive costs, Arkansas public four-year institutions average just $6,494 in annual in-state tuition, well below national averages and making the state an affordable option for STEM education.
Salary Outlook
The state's geography positions students near major tech employers and innovation centers. Northwest Arkansas, home to Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, represents one of the nation's fastest-growing tech regions. The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metropolitan area and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro both provide internship and employment opportunities for computer engineering graduates. Top-ranked programs like the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University connect students with industry partnerships and advanced research. Students can also explore related fields through Computer Science in Arkansas, Software Engineering in Arkansas, and Information Technology in Arkansas pathways. The state's commitment to higher education access, including the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 annually for qualified students, further reduces barriers to entry.
Computer Engineering Program Availability in Arkansas
13 Programs
Arkansas offers 13 accredited computer engineering programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas
Employment Outlook
Arkansas's computer engineering job market is supported by a strong network of employers and educational institutions across the state. According to (BLS State Data), the state offers competitive opportunities for computer engineers in major metropolitan areas. The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area and the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers region represent the strongest job markets, with significant concentration of tech-focused companies and opportunities. These metros serve as primary hubs for computer engineering professionals, offering diverse career pathways across multiple industry sectors.
Salaries by Metro
The state's higher education system is well-positioned to support workforce development. Arkansas hosts 19 institutions offering computer engineering programs across all degree levels, with 333 bachelor's completions annually (IPEDS). The University of Arkansas leads the state with 195 completions, followed by University of Arkansas Grantham with 48 completions and Harding University with 30 completions. Public in-state tuition averages $6,494 at four-year institutions, making Arkansas an affordable option for aspiring computer engineers. For detailed national salary and growth information, consult the College Scorecard and BLS State Data for comprehensive labor market analysis.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Arkansas$55,725$124,309
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in Arkansas
Online Programs
0 available in Arkansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$14,392/yr$15,991/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Louisiana
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Mississippi
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $9,700
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Missouri
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oklahoma
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in Arkansas?
The best computer engineering degree programs in Arkansas based on our methodology are: 1) University of Arkansas (80% graduation rate), 2) Arkansas State University, and 3) John Brown University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Arkansas offers 13 total accredited programs across 6 public and 7 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 11 bachelor's programs.
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in Arkansas?
Computer Engineering degree program costs in Arkansas vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $15,991/year, while private institutions average $35,180/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,998/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $63,964 at public schools to $140,721 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in Arkansas?
Computer Engineering professionals in Arkansas earn a median salary of $85,730, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $55,725, while senior roles exceed $124,309. Salaries vary by metro area: Bentonville ($94,303), Little Rock ($90,017) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas offers 0 accredited online Computer Engineering programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in Arkansas?
Major Computer Engineering employers in Arkansas include Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Dillards, Acxiom. The Bentonville and Little Rock metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Arkansas universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Arkansas's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in Arkansas?
A computer engineering degree program in Arkansas offers strong ROI with a $85,730 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $15,991/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($96,875), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in Arkansas?
Standard completion times for computer engineering degree programs in Arkansas are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Arkansas community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Arkansas university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in Arkansas?
Arkansas computer engineering degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Arkansas state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Arkansas's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Arkansas salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.