Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in Arkansas 2025
University of Arkansas
93 computer programming graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
University of Arkansas Grantham
25 computer programming graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Lyon College
14 computer programming graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
- 1.Arkansas offers 14+ accredited computer programming 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 Programming Education in Arkansas: Overview
Arkansas offers 14 accredited computer programming programs, producing approximately 242 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 programming programs in the state are led by University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas Grantham, Lyon College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Arkansas Computer Programming Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | Public | $7,666 | 80% | 74.7 |
| 2 | University of Arkansas Grantham | LIttle Rock, AR | Public | $7,080 | — | 51.8 |
| 3 | Lyon College | Batesville, AR | Private | $29,900 | 79% | 51.4 |
| 4 | Hendrix College | Conway, AR | Private | $36,300 | — | 48.1 |
| 5 | John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | Private | $29,488 | 86% | 47.5 |
| 6 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | Public | $4,512 | — | 46.9 |
| 7 | Philander Smith University | Little Rock, AR | Private | $11,804 | — | 45.9 |
| 8 | Harding University | Searcy, AR | Private | $24,240 | — | 42.8 |
| 9 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | Public | $6,600 | — | 40.5 |
| 10 | Arkansas State University-Beebe | Beebe, AR | Public | $2,736 | — | 39.2 |
| 11 | Shorter College | N Little Rock, AR | Private | $4,800 | — | 37.8 |
| 12 | Arkansas State University-Mountain Home | Mountain Home, AR | Public | $2,616 | — | 37.8 |
| 13 | Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | Private | $31,780 | — | 37.5 |
| 14 | University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | Public | $7,140 | — | 35.5 |
Top 5 Computer Programming Programs in Arkansas: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Arkansas | U of Arkansas Grantham | Lyon College | Hendrix College | John Brown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,666 | $7,080 | $29,900 | $36,300 | $29,488 |
| Graduation Rate | 80% | N/A% | 79% | N/A% | 86% |
| Annual Graduates | 93 | 25 | 14 | 17 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 72% | N/A | 66% | 53% | 68% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 74.7/100 | 51.8/100 | 51.4/100 | 48.1/100 | 47.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Programming in Arkansas
Arkansas offers 9 bachelor's-level computer programming programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas Grantham, Lyon College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $60,011 in the Arkansas market.
A bachelor's in computer programming typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Arkansas | $7,666 | 80% | 93 | 74.7 |
| #2 U of Arkansas Grantham | $7,080 | N/A% | 25 | 51.8 |
| #3 Lyon College | $29,900 | 79% | 14 | 51.4 |
Top Computer Programming Schools for Master's Degrees in Arkansas
For graduate study, Arkansas offers 2 master's-level computer programming programs. Leading institutions include University of Arkansas, University of Central Arkansas. 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 programming master's programs for more options beyond Arkansas.
Top 3 Computer Programming Master's Programs in Arkansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Arkansas | $7,666 | 80% | 10 | 48.4 |
| #2 U of Central Arkansas | $7,140 | N/A% | 7 | 35.5 |
Most Affordable Computer Programming Colleges in Arkansas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer programming programs in Arkansas are at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home ($2,616/year), Arkansas State University-Beebe ($2,736/year), University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ($4,512/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Arkansas's competitive tech salaries.
At Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, a 4-year degree costs approximately $10,464 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $60,011, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs in Arkansas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Arkansas State University... | $2,616 | $10,464 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Arkansas State University... | $2,736 | $10,944 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 U of Arkansas-Fort Smith | $4,512 | $18,048 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Programming Schools in Arkansas
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer programming 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 Programming Graduates: 93 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 93 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (93 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 Science and Computer Engineering programs are ABET-accredited with faculty conducting cutting-edge research in networking, data security, and embedded systems. The program offers both Computer Science and Computer Engineering degrees with cybersecurity concentrations and culminates in a hands-on capstone project.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus I
- •Calculus II
- •Calculus III
- •University Physics I
- •University Physics II
- •University Chemistry I
- •Programming Foundations I
- •Programming Foundations II
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $64,808
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Arkansas Grantham
LIttle Rock, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,080 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 25 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 25 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (25 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 program offers extensive research opportunities across cutting-edge areas including cybersecurity, machine learning, blockchain, and quantum computing. Students benefit from a $0 application fee and receive a brand-new Lenovo laptop at no additional cost.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
Lyon College
Batesville, AR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $29,900 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 66%
- • Ranking Score: 51.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 14 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
Hendrix College
Conway, AR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $36,300 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 53%
- • Ranking Score: 48.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 17 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (53% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Hendrix Computer Science offers an 11-course major with four specialized areas (hardware, end-user software, complex algorithms, computational math) and ranks 16th nationally among private liberal arts colleges for advanced degrees in Computer Science. The program features small class sizes averaging 17 students with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, plus experiential learning through the nationally-leading Odyssey Program.
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 100% of alumni survey respondents seeking employment have a job
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- top-ranked college in the South for students who obtain advanced degrees in Computer Science
- Among 170+ private liberal arts colleges in the nation, Hendrix ranks 16th (Computer Science)
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $29,488 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 47.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 5 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
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 Programming 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 14)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Programming in Arkansas FAQ
Based on 14 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Programming 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.