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Key Takeaways
Best computer programming degree programs: U of Arkansas, U of Arkansas Grantham, Lyon College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,616 to $36,300/year
Arkansas State University... offers the most affordable option at $2,736/yr
Computer Programming degree programs available: 5 associate's, 2 master's in Arkansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online computer programming degree programs in Arkansas
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Arkansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 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 Programming 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 Programming programs
We rank 16 accredited computer programming 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 Computer Programming Degree Programs in Arkansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in Arkansas
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in Arkansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include U of Arkansas Grantham, U of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas State University..., 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 $4,766/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 computer programming schools in Arkansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in Arkansas.
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer programming 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 computer programming 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 computer programming degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked computer programming 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 Computer Programming Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 2 master's degree programs in computer programming, 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 computer programming schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Computer Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $14,762/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $36,905/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,691/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $88,572 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $22,142 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in Arkansas
State Aid Programs
Arkansas students pursuing computer programming degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is the state's premier grant program, awarding up to $5,000 per year to academically talented students. This merit-based aid applies across public institutions and can significantly reduce the burden of tuition costs. Additionally, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The Arkansas Division of Higher Education coordinates these resources to ensure eligible students can afford their education.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, individual institutions offer scholarships tailored to computer programming and STEM fields. The College Scorecard provides detailed institutional aid data for Arkansas schools, allowing students to compare average aid packages. Many of Arkansas's top programs, including those at the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, offer competitive scholarship opportunities for incoming students. Students should also explore employer-sponsored education benefits, particularly through major Arkansas employers like Walmart and Tyson Foods, which often support workforce development in technology fields. Combining state aid, federal support, and institutional scholarships can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, Arkansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming 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 Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
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.
$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
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
Computer Programming 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 Computer Programming Graduates in Arkansas
Find computer programming jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers
ARComputer Programming Jobs in Little Rock
ARComputer Programming Jobs in Fayetteville
ARTransfer Pathways for Computer Programming Degrees in Arkansas
State Transfer System
Arkansas students have multiple efficient pathways from associate's to bachelor's degree programs through structured transfer agreements. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) guarantees that courses completed at any public community college transfer seamlessly to public four-year universities, eliminating redundancy and maximizing financial efficiency. With 7 two-year institutions offering associate's degrees in computer programming and 9 four-year universities offering bachelor's programs, students can strategically begin their education at affordable community colleges like University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton ($2,688 tuition) or University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College ($4,260 tuition) before transferring to degree-granting institutions. This approach reduces overall education costs while maintaining academic rigor and career preparation quality.
How Transfers Work
Top transfer destinations include the University of Arkansas ($7,666 tuition), Arkansas State University ($7,176 tuition), and University of Arkansas at Little Rock ($6,600 tuition), all of which maintain formal articulation agreements with community college partners. Students completing associate's degrees in computer programming have guaranteed course recognition, allowing them to focus upper-level coursework on advanced programming, software engineering, and specialization topics. The transfer system supports career mobility and educational flexibility without financial penalties. For detailed transfer agreement information and course mapping, visit ACTS or contact the Arkansas Division of Higher Education at adhe.edu. Students exploring related computational fields should investigate web development in Arkansas, mobile development in Arkansas, and software engineering in Arkansas, which often feature parallel transfer pathways and comparable career outcomes.
Why Pursue a Computer Programming Degree in Arkansas?
Industry & Workforce
Arkansas offers a strong pathway for aspiring computer programmers with 18 institutions across the state offering computer programming degrees at multiple levels (IPEDS). From associate's degrees through master's programs, students have 7 two-year institutions and 9 four-year universities dedicated to this field. The state's affordability stands out, with average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions reaching just $6,494, significantly below national averages. Top schools like the University of Arkansas lead the charge, producing 103 completions annually and ranking among the nation's best bachelor's programs (College Scorecard). For more affordable options, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith charges only $4,512 in tuition while maintaining strong career outcomes.
Salary Outlook
Arkansas's tech ecosystem centers on major metropolitan areas including Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, both emerging tech hubs. Major employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt actively recruit computer programming graduates, creating abundant career opportunities. Students can explore related fields such as software engineering in Arkansas, web development in Arkansas, and computer science in Arkansas to broaden their skill sets. The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (scholarships.adhe.edu) provides up to $5,000 annually for academically talented students, further reducing costs. Additionally, those seeking flexibility can pursue online computer programming programs through Arkansas State University and other top-ranked institutions, making education accessible regardless of location.
Computer Programming Program Availability in Arkansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas
Employment Outlook
Arkansas offers a growing job market for computer programming professionals across multiple regions and sectors. The state's tech landscape centers around major metro areas including Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, and Fort Smith, where demand for skilled programmers continues to expand. According to the (Bureau of Labor Statistics), Arkansas employers actively recruit computer programming talent, particularly in technology-driven industries and corporate headquarters. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions at $6,494 makes pursuing a computer programming degree financially accessible compared to national averages, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with manageable student debt.
Salaries by Metro
Educational pathways to enter this market are well-established throughout Arkansas. The state hosts 18 institutions offering computer programming programs across all credential levels: 7 associate's, 9 bachelor's, and 2 master's degree programs (IPEDS). The University of Arkansas leads the state with 103 completions, followed by the University of Arkansas Grantham with 48 completions and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith with 29 completions. Job seekers can leverage resources like the (College Scorecard) to compare institutional outcomes. For detailed salary and employment trends specific to Arkansas, the (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics) provides current wage and job outlook data. Students interested in related fields might explore (Software Engineering in Arkansas) or (Web Development in Arkansas) programs for complementary career options.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in Arkansas
Online Programs
2 available in Arkansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $3,700
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $16,500
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $11,700
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Computer Programming Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in Arkansas?
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in Arkansas?
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in Arkansas?
Are there online computer programming degree programs in Arkansas?
What companies hire computer programming degree graduates in Arkansas?
Is a computer programming degree program worth it in Arkansas?
How long do computer programming degree programs take in Arkansas?
What financial aid is available for computer programming 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.