Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Arkansas State University
Bachelor's Degree
astate.eduAnalysis
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Arkansas State appears positioned in the middle tier of Arkansas options, though the full picture remains uncertain. While peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $77,710—slightly above what similar programs in Arkansas typically produce ($74,355)—the absence of reported outcomes here makes direct comparison difficult. The University of Arkansas and Arkansas Tech have documented graduates earning $76,832 and $71,878 respectively, suggesting Arkansas State likely falls somewhere in this range.
The estimated debt load of $24,927 would translate to a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio if the earnings estimate holds true, meaning monthly loan payments around $290 on a ten-year plan against projected monthly income of roughly $6,475. That's a sustainable burden for an engineering career. However, Arkansas engineering programs with reported data show median debt closer to $19,170, suggesting students here might be borrowing more than at competing state schools—a gap worth investigating given Arkansas State's 37% Pell grant population.
Without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're placing faith in national patterns holding true at a mid-tier regional university. Engineering programs can vary significantly in quality, industry connections, and employer recognition. Before committing, contact the department directly for job placement data and talk to recent graduates about their post-graduation experiences—information that matters more than any estimate.
Where Arkansas State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,754 | $77,710* | — | $24,927* | — | |
| $9,748 | $76,832* | $82,623 | $21,240* | 0.28 | |
| $8,508 | $71,878* | $69,283 | $17,100* | 0.24 | |
| National Median | — | $77,710* | — | $24,989* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arkansas State University, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 262 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.