Computer Science at University of Arkansas Grantham

University of Arkansas Grantham's online associate program in computer science produces first-year earnings of $47,904—substantially higher than the national median of $39,118 for similar programs. That's a significant advantage for an associate degree, placing graduates in the 73rd percentile nationally. However, these numbers come from a very small sample (under 30 graduates), which means your child's outcome could vary considerably from these figures.

The debt load of $22,519 deserves attention, as it's nearly double the national median for CS associate programs. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 remains manageable—graduates would need less than half their first-year salary to cover the debt—this is unusual for an online program where costs typically run lower. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, this suggests the institution serves a population that may be particularly debt-sensitive.

The path forward depends on alternatives. If your child can access a community college offering computer science at in-state rates, the lower debt burden would likely outweigh any earnings advantage here. But if an online format is essential for flexibility—perhaps for a working student—these earnings numbers suggest the program can lead to solid entry-level tech positions. Just understand that with only two CS associate programs in Arkansas reporting data, and this small sample size, you're making decisions with limited information about how typical these outcomes really are.