Computer and Information Sciences at University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UALR's computer science program delivers solid value for Arkansas students, hitting the sweet spot between affordability and career outcomes. While graduates earn about 10% below the national median at $54,817, they carry $22,650 in debt—lower than both national and state averages. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repayment, a reasonable trade-off for in-state students.
The state context matters here: UALR ranks in the 60th percentile among Arkansas tech programs, landing solidly in the middle of the pack. You're not getting University of Arkansas-level earnings ($59,857), but you're also not at the bottom tier. For families weighing cost against outcomes, UALR's accessibility (58% admission rate, significant Pell population) combined with manageable debt makes it a practical choice, especially if proximity to Little Rock's tech employers matters for internships and networking.
The bottom line: This program won't catapult your child to the highest-paying tech jobs, but it provides reliable entry to the field without crushing debt. For Arkansas residents looking at in-state options, UALR represents a sensible middle ground—not the most lucrative outcome, but far from a financial gamble.
Where University of Arkansas at Little Rock Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 33th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $54,817 | — | $22,650 | 0.41 |
| Strayer University-Arkansas | $67,315 | $77,481 | $50,737 | 0.75 |
| University of Arkansas | $59,857 | $91,279 | $26,500 | 0.44 |
| University of Central Arkansas | $57,912 | $59,965 | $25,901 | 0.45 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | $51,896 | $71,999 | $21,823 | 0.42 |
| Arkansas State University | $46,227 | $69,348 | $23,204 | 0.50 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University-Arkansas Little Rock | $13,920 | $67,315 | $50,737 |
| University of Arkansas Fayetteville | $9,748 | $59,857 | $26,500 |
| University of Central Arkansas Conway | $10,118 | $57,912 | $25,901 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith | $6,906 | $51,896 | $21,823 |
| Arkansas State University Jonesboro | $7,754 | $46,227 | $23,204 |
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 University of Arkansas at Little Rock, approximately 41% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 45 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.