Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Arkansas 2025
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
521 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Arkansas State University
23 information technology graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
University of Arkansas
18 information technology graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
- 1.Arkansas offers 22+ accredited information technology 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)
Information Technology Education in Arkansas: Overview
Arkansas offers 22 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 870 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 information technology programs in the state are led by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Arkansas Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | Public | $7,200 | — | 69.2 |
| 2 | Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | Public | $7,176 | 93% | 48.5 |
| 3 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | Public | $7,666 | 80% | 43.9 |
| 4 | University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College | North Little Rock, AR | Public | $4,260 | — | 42.1 |
| 5 | University of Arkansas Grantham | LIttle Rock, AR | Public | $7,080 | — | 41.8 |
| 6 | University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | Public | $7,140 | — | 40.8 |
| 7 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | Public | $6,600 | — | 40.6 |
| 8 | Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | Public | $5,995 | — | 39.2 |
| 9 | Arkansas State University Mid-South | West Memphis, AR | Public | $3,552 | — | 38 |
| 10 | North Arkansas College | Harrison, AR | Public | $3,000 | — | 37.7 |
| 11 | Southern Arkansas University Tech | Camden, AR | Public | $3,300 | — | 37.7 |
| 12 | University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana | Hope, AR | Public | $2,850 | — | 37.3 |
| 13 | Arkansas State University-Mountain Home | Mountain Home, AR | Public | $2,616 | — | 37.3 |
| 14 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | Public | $6,060 | — | 37.3 |
| 15 | Arkansas State University Three Rivers | Malvern, AR | Public | $2,616 | — | 36.4 |
| 16 | Strayer University-Arkansas | Little Rock, AR | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 35.8 |
| 17 | Harding University | Searcy, AR | Private | $24,240 | — | 32.2 |
| 18 | Henderson State University | Arkadelphia, AR | Public | $5,928 | — | 30.9 |
| 19 | NorthWest Arkansas Community College | Bentonville, AR | Public | $3,480 | — | 27.2 |
| 20 | Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas | Helena, AR | Public | $2,730 | — | 26.1 |
| 21 | University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville | Batesville, AR | Public | $2,376 | — | 25.5 |
| 22 | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | Public | $2,688 | — | 21.5 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Arkansas: Side-by-Side
| School | Southern Arkansas... | Arkansas State | U of Arkansas | U of Arkansas-Pulaski... | U of Arkansas Grantham |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,200 | $7,176 | $7,666 | $4,260 | $7,080 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 93% | 80% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 521 | 23 | 18 | 26 | 24 |
| Acceptance Rate | 67% | 70% | 72% | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 69.2/100 | 48.5/100 | 43.9/100 | 42.1/100 | 41.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Arkansas
Arkansas offers 11 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Arkansas State University, University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas Tech University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $60,011 in the Arkansas market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Arkansas State | $7,176 | 93% | 23 | 48.5 |
| #2 U of Central Arkansas | $7,140 | N/A% | 67 | 40.8 |
| #3 Arkansas Tech | $5,995 | N/A% | 58 | 54.3 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Arkansas
For graduate study, Arkansas offers 7 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas Grantham. 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 information technology master's programs for more options beyond Arkansas.
Top 3 Information Technology 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 Grantham | $7,080 | N/A% | 28 | 42.4 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Arkansas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Arkansas are at University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville ($2,376/year), Arkansas State University-Mountain Home ($2,616/year), Arkansas State University Three Rivers ($2,616/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 Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology 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 Arkansas State University... | $2,616 | $10,464 | 0.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in Arkansas
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 521 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 69.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 521 information technology 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.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,176 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 48.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 23 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 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.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,666 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 43.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 18 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 43.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 42.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 26 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 42.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (26 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Arkansas Grantham
LIttle Rock, AR • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,080 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 24 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 41.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 24 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (24 graduates), state salary outcomes ($85,730), and selectivity (N/A% 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.
Information Technology 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 22)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Technology in Arkansas FAQ
Based on 22 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.