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Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of Arkansas, U of Arkansas Grantham, Lyon College
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
Data Science 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
Data Science 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 Science programs
We rank 14 accredited data science 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 Data Science Degree Programs in Arkansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Arkansas
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Arkansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Science Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in data science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include U of Arkansas Grantham, Shorter College, 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 $5,940/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 data science schools in Arkansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data science degrees in Arkansas.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science 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 data science 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 data science degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked data science 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 Data Science Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 3 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, 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 $7,327/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 science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $16,824/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $42,060/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,206/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $100,944 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $25,236 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Arkansas
State Aid Programs
Arkansas students pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple federal and state financial aid resources. The primary pathway for federal aid begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Beyond federal support, Arkansas offers the (Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship), which awards academically talented students up to $5,000 per year to help offset tuition costs. This state-specific grant is administered by the (Arkansas Division of Higher Education) and represents a significant opportunity for qualifying data science students across public and private institutions.
Key Programs & Amounts
Many Arkansas institutions offering data science programs also provide institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. Students should explore financial aid offices at top schools like the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and University of Central Arkansas, all of which have dedicated data science programs. Additionally, the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) facilitates transfer among public institutions, allowing students to reduce costs by completing general education requirements at community colleges before transferring to four-year programs. Federal student loans, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, are available through (StudentAid.gov), with repayment plans designed to accommodate various income levels after graduation.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Arkansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science 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 Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
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
Data Science 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 Data Science Graduates in Arkansas
Find data science jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers
ARData Science Jobs in Little Rock
ARData Science Jobs in Fayetteville
ARTransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Arkansas
State Transfer System
Arkansas's higher education system is designed to help seamless transfer pathways from community colleges to four-year universities. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) (ACTS) guarantees that courses completed at one public institution transfer with full credit to another, eliminating lost coursework and reducing time-to-degree. With 4 associate's degree-granting institutions offering data science programs, students can begin their education affordably and then transition to bachelor's or master's programs at 10 bachelor's-granting and 3 master's-granting institutions statewide. Top associate's programs at 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) provide cost-effective entry points into the field.
How Transfers Work
Students completing associate degrees in data science can articulate directly into bachelor's programs at universities such as the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, or University of Central Arkansas without repeating coursework. This pathway significantly reduces overall education costs, students save thousands of dollars in tuition by completing lower-division courses at community colleges before pursuing upper-level specializations at universities. The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship) awards up to $5,000 annually to academically talented students, making the transition pathway even more affordable. For detailed guidance on articulation agreements specific to your intended major, contact the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. Explore related transfer-friendly programs through Data Analytics in Arkansas and Computer Science in Arkansas to optimize your educational planning.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Arkansas?
Industry & Workforce
Arkansas offers a strong and accessible pathway into data science education, with 17 institutions currently offering data science programs across associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). The state's higher education landscape includes 10 institutions offering bachelor's degrees in data science, with the University of Arkansas leading the way at 116 completions, significantly ahead of other state programs. Students benefit from affordable tuition, with average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions at just $6,494, making Arkansas one of the most cost-effective regions for pursuing a data science degree.
Salary Outlook
Arkansas's growing tech sector provides exceptional career opportunities for data science graduates. Major employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt headquartered in the state actively recruit data-driven talent, particularly in tech hubs including Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway (BLS State Data). The state's top-ranked programs, including the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, combine rigorous academics with industry connections that position graduates for competitive roles. For affordability-focused students, programs like Arkansas Tech University ($5,995 tuition) and University of Arkansas at Little Rock ($6,600 tuition) deliver quality education without excessive debt. Explore related programs through Data Analytics in Arkansas, Machine Learning in Arkansas, and Artificial Intelligence in Arkansas to round out your expertise.
Data Science Program Availability in Arkansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas
Employment Outlook
Arkansas's data science job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a strong educational pipeline across 17 institutions offering data science programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 221 bachelor's degree completions, 33 master's completions, and 24 associate's degree completions in data science during 2023, demonstrating strong workforce development in this high-demand field. Employment opportunities span across the state's major metropolitan areas, including Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, where tech-driven industries continue to expand. According to the BLS State Data for Arkansas, the data science field remains competitive and continues to attract talent from both in-state graduates and external candidates seeking affordable education options.
Salaries by Metro
The University of Arkansas leads the state in data science program production with 116 completions, establishing it as a primary talent pipeline for regional employers. Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, with 29 completions and strong graduation rates respectively, further contribute to the state's data science workforce. For prospective students seeking career advancement, explore related fields through our guides on Data Analytics in Arkansas and Machine Learning in Arkansas to understand the broader data science ecosystem. The combination of affordable public in-state tuition averaging $6,494 at four-year institutions makes Arkansas an accessible entry point for data science careers compared to national programs listed in our National Best Bachelor's Programs rankings.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Arkansas
Online Programs
0 available in Arkansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $9,700
- Total Programs
- 40
- Median Tuition
- $16,500
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Data Science Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Arkansas?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Arkansas?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Arkansas?
Are there online data science degree programs in Arkansas?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Arkansas?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Arkansas?
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What financial aid is available for data science 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.