Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Arkansas 2025
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
521 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Arkansas
111 computer science graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
Arkansas State University
23 computer science graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
- 1.Arkansas offers 26+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Southern Arkansas University Main Campus leads with strong% 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 Science Education in Arkansas: Overview
Arkansas offers 26 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 1,009 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 science programs in the state are led by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Arkansas Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | Public | $7,200 | — | 69.2 |
| 2 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | Public | $7,666 | 80% | 56.2 |
| 3 | Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | Public | $7,176 | 93% | 48.5 |
| 4 | Lyon College | Batesville, AR | Private | $29,900 | 79% | 44 |
| 5 | John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | Private | $29,488 | 86% | 43.1 |
| 6 | University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College | North Little Rock, AR | Public | $4,260 | — | 42.1 |
| 7 | University of Arkansas Grantham | LIttle Rock, AR | Public | $7,080 | — | 41.6 |
| 8 | University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | Public | $7,140 | — | 41.5 |
| 9 | Hendrix College | Conway, AR | Private | $36,300 | — | 40 |
| 10 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | Public | $6,600 | — | 39.9 |
| 11 | Philander Smith University | Little Rock, AR | Private | $11,804 | — | 39.3 |
| 12 | Arkansas State University Mid-South | West Memphis, AR | Public | $3,552 | — | 38 |
| 13 | Southern Arkansas University Tech | Camden, AR | Public | $3,300 | — | 37.7 |
| 14 | University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana | Hope, AR | Public | $2,850 | — | 37.3 |
| 15 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | Public | $6,060 | — | 37.3 |
| 16 | Arkansas State University Three Rivers | Malvern, AR | Public | $2,616 | — | 36.4 |
| 17 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | Public | $4,512 | — | 36.3 |
| 18 | Shorter College | N Little Rock, AR | Private | $4,800 | — | 35.8 |
| 19 | Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | Public | $5,995 | — | 34.3 |
| 20 | Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | Private | $31,780 | — | 33.5 |
| 21 | Harding University | Searcy, AR | Private | $24,240 | — | 32.4 |
| 22 | Henderson State University | Arkadelphia, AR | Public | $5,928 | — | 30.9 |
| 23 | NorthWest Arkansas Community College | Bentonville, AR | Public | $3,480 | — | 27.2 |
| 24 | Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas | Helena, AR | Public | $2,730 | — | 26.1 |
| 25 | University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville | Batesville, AR | Public | $2,376 | — | 25.5 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Arkansas: Side-by-Side
| School | Southern Arkansas... | U of Arkansas | Arkansas State | Lyon College | John Brown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,200 | $7,666 | $7,176 | $29,900 | $29,488 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 80% | 93% | 79% | 86% |
| Annual Graduates | 521 | 111 | 23 | 14 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 67% | 72% | 70% | 66% | 68% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 69.2/100 | 56.2/100 | 48.5/100 | 44.0/100 | 43.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Arkansas
Arkansas offers 16 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Arkansas, University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $60,011 in the Arkansas market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Arkansas | $7,666 | 80% | 111 | 56.2 |
| #2 U of Central Arkansas | $7,140 | N/A% | 75 | 41.5 |
| #3 Arkansas State | $7,176 | 93% | 23 | 48.5 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Arkansas
For graduate study, Arkansas offers 6 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 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 science master's programs for more options beyond Arkansas.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Arkansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Southern Arkansas... | $7,200 | N/A% | 521 | 69.2 |
| #2 Arkansas State | $7,176 | 93% | 32 | 49.8 |
| #3 U of Arkansas at Little Rock | $6,600 | N/A% | 48 | 43.3 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Arkansas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Arkansas are at University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville ($2,376/year), Arkansas State University Three Rivers ($2,616/year), University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton ($2,688/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Arkansas's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville, a 4-year degree costs approximately $9,504 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 Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Arkansas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Arkansas Community... | $2,376 | $9,504 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Arkansas State University... | $2,616 | $10,464 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 U of Arkansas Community... | $2,688 | $10,752 | 0.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Arkansas
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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.
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,200 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 521 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 69.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 521 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 69.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (521 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Sources
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,666 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 111 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 56.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 111 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (111 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 program offers a comprehensive 122-credit Bachelor of Science degree with required capstone experience and covers fundamental areas including algorithms, operating systems, software engineering, and database management systems.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 24004 Calculus I
- •CHEM 14103 University Chemistry I
- •PHYS 20304 University Physics I
Program Details
- Credits: 122 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,176 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 48.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 23 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (70% 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 Science Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 66%
- • Ranking Score: 44.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 14 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.0 / 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.
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $29,488 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 43.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 5 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.1 / 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.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Arkansas with strong job growth.
Computer Science 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 26)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Arkansas FAQ
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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.