Arkansas · Computer Science

Best colleges for Computer Science in Arkansas

Ranked by graduate earnings

University of Arkansas, Harding University and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith award the most Computer Science degrees and certificates in Arkansas: 156, 31 and 23 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 13 Arkansas colleges offer Computer Science and award 300 degrees and certificates a year in all.

The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…

Institutions
13
offering CIP 11.07
States & territories
54
with a program page
Degrees / yr
300
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Median starting salary
$75,169
1 yr after graduation, College Scorecard
With earnings data
3
College Scorecard
Median net price
$20,325
IPEDS 2024–25
Avg graduation rate
51%
IPEDS 2024–25
State pay · Computer and Information Research Scientists
—
BLS OEWS May 2025

Top 3 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.

Starting salary (1 yr): median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
#InstitutionStarting salary (1 yr)Graduates / yrGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Harding University
Searcy Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$78,0413169%$19,423$24,149
2University of Arkansas
Fayetteville Public · Bachelor's degree
$75,16915671%—$21,343
3University of Arkansas Grantham
LIttle Rock Public · Associate degree Online Small program
$47,904843%—$44,701

Colleges awarding the most Computer Science degrees in Arkansas

Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.

Graduates / yr: degrees and certificates awarded in a year, IPEDS completions. Starting salary (1 yr): median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
#InstitutionGraduates / yrStarting salary (1 yr)
1University of Arkansas
Fayetteville Public
156$75,169
2Harding University
Searcy Private not-for-profit
31$78,041
3University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith Public
23Not reported
4Hendrix College
Conway Private not-for-profit
20Not reported
5John Brown University
Siloam Springs Private not-for-profit
19Not reported
6National Park College
Hot Springs Public
15Not reported
7University of Central Arkansas
Conway Public
7Not reported
8Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia Private not-for-profit
6Not reported
9University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain
Mena Public
5Not reported
10Lyon College
Batesville Private not-for-profit
4Not reported
Show the other 3 Arkansas colleges offering Computer Science
InstitutionCityControlGraduates / yr
University of Arkansas Grantham (Online)LIttle RockPublic8
Philander Smith UniversityLittle RockPrivate not-for-profit4
Shorter CollegeN Little RockPrivate not-for-profit2

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Computer and Information Research Scientists (SOC 15-1221).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+19.7%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~3,200
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$140,910
typically Master's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningMathematics

What Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Arkansas

Jobs in Arkansas
—
BLS OEWS May 2025
State average pay
—
annual
Best-paying metro
—

Related careers

Software Developers
$109,590 avg · 6,050 jobs
Computer and Information Systems Managers
$138,910 avg · 3,420 jobs
Computer Network Support Specialists
$64,900 avg · 1,470 jobs
Information Security Analysts
$102,980 avg · 1,460 jobs
Computer Occupations, All Other
$87,980 avg · 1,120 jobs
Computer Programmers
$112,070 avg · 1,050 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Computer Science programs in Arkansas.

Which Arkansas colleges award the most Computer Science degrees?+

University of Arkansas (156 graduates a year), Harding University (31 graduates a year) and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (23 graduates a year) award the most Computer Science degrees and certificates in Arkansas, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 13 Arkansas colleges offer Computer Science.

Which Computer Science program in Arkansas has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Harding University tops the list at $78,041. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

What is the focus of the Computer Science program?+

The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Computer and Information Research Scientists?+

The national job outlook is about +19.7% growth with around 3,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

About the data on this page

Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
PSEO graduate earnings2019–21 graduation cohorts (release V4.13.0)
Earnings and employment outcomes of graduates by institution, degree level, and field of study, measured from state wage records.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.
FVT/GE program performanceProvisional preview, May 18, 2026 release
Program-level debt-to-earnings and earnings-premium measures behind the FVT/GE and STATS accountability frameworks.

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