On this page
Key Takeaways
Best machine learning 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
Machine Learning degree programs available: 2 associate's, 2 master's in Arkansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online machine learning degree programs in Arkansas
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 13 accredited machine learning 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 Machine Learning Degree Programs in Arkansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Arkansas
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Arkansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Machine Learning Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning schools in Arkansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in Arkansas.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning 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 machine learning 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 machine learning degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked machine learning 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 Machine Learning Programs in Arkansas
Program Landscape
Arkansas offers 2 master's degree programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,701/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $44,253/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,425/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $106,208 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $26,552 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Arkansas
State Aid Programs
Arkansas students pursuing machine learning degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The primary federal funding mechanism is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens pathways to Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. Students can complete their FAFSA at Federal Student Aid to determine their eligibility for federal aid packages. Additionally, Arkansas offers the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, a state-specific grant program that awards up to $5,000 per year to academically talented students. This scholarship is administered through the Arkansas Division of Higher Education and represents a significant opportunity for qualifying students to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal grants, individual institutions across Arkansas offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards to machine learning students. The University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and University of Central Arkansas, the state's leading machine learning programs, all provide scholarship opportunities to qualified applicants. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office directly to explore merit scholarships, departmental awards, and need-based aid packages. For comprehensive information about available federal aid options and loan programs, the College Scorecard provides transparent data on costs and aid at specific institutions. Combined with state grants and institutional support, these financial aid resources can significantly offset tuition costs for Arkansas machine learning students seeking affordable pathways to degree completion.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Arkansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
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.
$147,619
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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Graduates in Arkansas
Find machine learning jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers
ARMachine Learning Jobs in Little Rock
ARMachine Learning Jobs in Fayetteville
ARTransfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Arkansas
State Transfer System
Arkansas provides strong transfer pathways for students pursuing machine learning degrees, supported by the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS), which guarantees course transfer among public institutions (Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS)). With 3 associate's degree programs and 9 bachelor's degree institutions in the state, community college students can begin their machine learning education affordably at institutions like University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College ($4,260 tuition), University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton ($2,688 tuition), or NorthWest Arkansas Community College ($3,480 tuition), then transfer seamlessly to four-year programs. ACTS ensures that general education and foundational coursework in mathematics, computer science, and programming completed at two-year institutions transfer directly and are recognized at universities, eliminating lost credits and unnecessary delays.
How Transfers Work
Community college students completing an associate's degree in machine learning can articulate directly into bachelor's programs at institutions like the University of Arkansas (ranked #1, $7,666 tuition), Arkansas State University (ranked #2, $7,176 tuition), or Arkansas Tech University (ranked #5, $5,995 tuition). This pathway is particularly advantageous for students seeking to reduce costs early in their education. By spending two years at an affordable community college, students can save significant tuition before transferring. Once transferred, students complete upper-level machine learning coursework, specializations, and capstone projects at their four-year institution. For more information on transfer policies and articulation agreements, students should contact the Arkansas Division of Higher Education or their institution's transfer advising office. Students interested in related fields should also explore transfer options in Data Science, Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Arkansas?
Industry & Workforce
Arkansas offers a strong and growing machine learning education landscape with 14 institutions across the state providing dedicated programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Arkansas institutions awarded 221 bachelor's degrees, 17 master's degrees, and 24 associate's degrees in machine learning, demonstrating strong momentum in this in-demand field. The state's educational infrastructure is supported by leading institutions like the University of Arkansas, which produced 103 completions, more than any other program in the state, alongside emerging hubs like University of Arkansas Grantham with 48 completions.
Salary Outlook
Beyond academics, Arkansas provides significant economic advantages for machine learning students and professionals. Public four-year institutions in the state average just $6,494 in annual in-state tuition, substantially below national averages, making quality machine learning education accessible and affordable (College Scorecard). Major tech employers including Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt maintain operations throughout Arkansas's vibrant tech hubs in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers and the Little Rock metro area, creating abundant career pathways for graduates. Students can also leverage the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 per year for academically talented students (Arkansas Division of Higher Education), further reducing educational costs. For those exploring related fields, Arkansas also offers strong programs in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Computer Science.
Machine Learning Program Availability in Arkansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas
Employment Outlook
Arkansas's machine learning job market is experiencing steady growth driven by the state's emerging tech sector and major corporate headquarters. The state hosts significant employment opportunities across multiple regions, with the strongest concentrations in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area and the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area. According to (BLS State Data), Arkansas offers competitive opportunities for machine learning professionals across various industries. The state's education infrastructure supports this growth, with 14 institutions offering machine learning programs and 221 bachelor's degree completions annually (IPEDS). This strong pipeline of graduates feeds directly into the state's expanding job market.
Salaries by Metro
The machine learning landscape in Arkansas benefits from geographic diversity across Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, the Delta Region, and the Ozarks. Each region presents distinct career pathways and employer bases. Major metropolitan areas like Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Bentonville, and Rogers are increasingly attracting tech talent and investment. The state's affordability, with average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions reaching only $6,494, makes it an attractive destination for students seeking cost-effective machine learning education. Career prospects are further enhanced by the state's established employer networks and continuing investment in technology infrastructure. For detailed salary information and employment trends, consult (BLS State Data) and explore related fields like Data Science in Arkansas and Artificial Intelligence in Arkansas for comprehensive career planning.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Arkansas
Online Programs
1 available in Arkansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Arkansas?
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Arkansas?
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Arkansas?
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Arkansas?
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in Arkansas?
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Arkansas?
How long do machine learning degree programs take in Arkansas?
What financial aid is available for machine learning 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.