🥇
$7,666
Tuition/yr
80%
Grad rate
76.0
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data analytics degree programs: U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, U of Arkansas at Little Rock
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,600 to $31,780/year
Arkansas State offers the most affordable option at $7,176/yr
Data Analytics degree programs available: 4 master's in Arkansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Major employers: Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Dillards
Tech hubs in Bentonville and Little Rock
Hakia Research 2026
Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics programs
We rank 9 accredited data analytics 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 Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas Worth It?
Answer
$85,730
Yes. The best data analytics degree programs in Arkansas deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $85,730 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $12,072/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Analytics Degree Rankings in Arkansas
Compare the top-ranked Data Analytics programs in Arkansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in Arkansas
5
Programs ranked
$12,072
Avg tuition/yr
87%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, U of Arkansas at Little Rock, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Arkansas data analytics 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 $6,600 to $31,780 annually, with an average of $12,072/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 87%, 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 data analytics degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
🥉
$6,600
Tuition/yr
47.1
Hakia Score
Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in Arkansas
4
Programs ranked
$7,146
Avg tuition/yr
87%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 4 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, U of Arkansas at Little Rock, 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 $7,146/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 data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
$7,666
Tuition/yr
80%
Grad rate
76.0
Hakia Score
🥉
$6,600
Tuition/yr
48.7
Hakia Score
Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $12,072/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $30,180/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,018/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $72,432 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $18,108 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Arkansas
State Aid Programs
Arkansas students pursuing data analytics degrees have access to strong federal and state financial aid programs. The federal government offers grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), administered via (Federal Student Aid). All Arkansas public institutions participate in this system, making it the primary resource for financing your education. Additionally, Arkansas offers the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards eligible academically talented students up to $5,000 per year. This state-funded program significantly reduces the burden of tuition costs and is available through (Arkansas Division of Higher Education).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Arkansas institutions offering data analytics programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office to explore program-specific scholarships and graduate assistantships, particularly at larger research universities like the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, which award significant aid packages to qualified candidates. For more information on available programs and application processes, visit (Federal Student Aid) and (Arkansas Division of Higher Education). Compare aid packages across schools using (College Scorecard), which provides transparent cost and aid data.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, Arkansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics 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.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data analytics 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
Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics Graduates in Arkansas
Find data analytics jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Analytics Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers
ARWalmart Global Tech
tech
Sam's Club Tech
retail-tech
J.B. Hunt Transport
logistics
Tyson Foods
food-tech
Data Analytics Jobs in Little Rock
ARDillards
retail
Acxiom
data
Windstream
telecom
Data Analytics Jobs in Fayetteville
ARUniversity of Arkansas
education
Walmart
retail-tech
Transfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in Arkansas
State Transfer System
Arkansas provides seamless transfer pathways through the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS), which guarantees course transfer among public institutions. This system is critical for students beginning at one of Arkansas's 25 two-year institutions, including University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, and University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, which offer 3 associate's degree programs in data analytics. ACTS ensures that credits earned at community colleges transfer directly to four-year institutions without loss, enabling students to complete associate degrees and seamlessly transition to bachelor's programs at universities like University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, or University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Arkansas Course Transfer System).
How Transfers Work
The transfer pathway offers significant cost advantages, associate's programs at community colleges cost significantly less than four-year institutions. For example, University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton charges $2,688 annually, compared to $6,494 average at public four-year universities. Students complete foundational coursework in statistics, database fundamentals, and programming at lower cost, then complete specialized bachelor's coursework at research universities. This model is increasingly popular; 3 associate's institutions actively participate in statewide articulation agreements (Arkansas Division of Higher Education). For broader transfer and affordability context, explore most affordable programs and online programs. Related transfer-friendly programs appear in Database Management in Arkansas and Information Systems in Arkansas.
Why Pursue a Data Analytics Degree in Arkansas?
Industry & Workforce
Arkansas offers a strong ecosystem for data analytics education with 14 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state boasts 7 bachelor's programs and 4 master's programs, producing 240 completions annually across all credential types. The University of Arkansas leads the state with 142 completions, followed by Arkansas State University with 60 completions, demonstrating strong institutional capacity and graduate placement pathways. Students benefit from affordable tuition, with average public four-year in-state rates at just $6,494 annually, significantly lower than the national average.
Salary Outlook
Arkansas's geographic location positions students near major data-driven employers including Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt across growing tech hubs in Fayetteville, Bentonville, and the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area. The state's commitment to affordability extends through the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 annually for academically talented students. For prospective students, comparing Arkansas programs to national standards is worthwhile, explore national best bachelor's programs and best online options to contextualize Arkansas offerings. Related fields like Data Science in Arkansas and Machine Learning in Arkansas provide complementary educational pathways.
Data Analytics Program Availability in Arkansas
5 Programs
Arkansas offers 5 accredited data analytics programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas
Employment Outlook
Arkansas's data analytics job market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the state's expanding technology sector and the increasing digitalization of traditional industries. The state's major metropolitan areas. Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, are emerging as regional tech hubs with strong demand for data professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state's labor market continues to reward skilled data analytics professionals with competitive compensation packages. The diversification of Arkansas's economy, from retail and logistics to healthcare and advanced manufacturing, has created multiple pathways for data analytics careers across different sectors.
Salaries by Metro
The strongest job concentrations for data analytics professionals are found in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area and the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway region. These areas benefit from the presence of Fortune 500 companies and growing tech startups, creating a dynamic job market. Career seekers in Arkansas can explore opportunities through College Scorecard to understand employment outcomes from leading programs. For comprehensive state-level employment data and salary information, BLS occupational data provides detailed insights into the broader analytics and data science field. Students graduating from Arkansas's 14 institutions offering data analytics programs are well-positioned to enter this competitive market.
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 Data Analytics Programs in Arkansas
Online Programs
0 available in Arkansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$10,865/yr$12,072/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 Data Analytics Programs in Other States
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 44
- Median Tuition
- $11,700
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Louisiana
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $16,400
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Mississippi
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $9,300
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $11,300
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Missouri
- Total Programs
- 21
- Median Tuition
- $18,600
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Oklahoma
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ
What are the best data analytics degree programs in Arkansas?
The best data analytics degree programs in Arkansas based on our methodology are: 1) University of Arkansas (80% graduation rate), 2) Arkansas State University, and 3) University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Arkansas offers 5 total accredited programs across 4 public and 1 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 5 bachelor's programs.
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in Arkansas?
Data Analytics degree program costs in Arkansas vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $12,072/year, while private institutions average $26,558/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,018/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $48,288 at public schools to $106,234 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 data analytics degree graduates earn in Arkansas?
Data Analytics 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 data analytics degree programs in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas offers 0 accredited online Data Analytics 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 data analytics degree graduates in Arkansas?
Major Data Analytics 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 data analytics degree program worth it in Arkansas?
A data analytics degree program in Arkansas offers strong ROI with a $85,730 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $12,072/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 data analytics degree programs take in Arkansas?
Standard completion times for data analytics 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 data analytics degree students in Arkansas?
Arkansas data analytics 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.