Location: LIttle Rock, AR•In-State Tuition: $8,280
Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,904
73rd percentile
Median Debt
$22,519
81% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.47 ManageableSample: 24 graduates Limited data

Analysis

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.

Where University of Arkansas Grantham Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science associates's programs nationally

University of Arkansas GranthamOther computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Arkansas Grantham graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Arkansas Grantham earns $48k — 73th percentile among computer science associates programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Science associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Arkansas GranthamLIttle Rock$8,280$47,904—$22,5190.47
Weber State UniversityOgden$6,391$79,044$83,812$15,2540.19
Northern Virginia Community CollegeAnnandale$5,703$48,889$81,847$13,0000.27
Bunker Hill Community CollegeBoston$5,520$30,332—$9,0000.30
CUNY LaGuardia Community CollegeLong Island City$5,218$24,888$46,054$8,7500.35
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park$26,417$19,693———
National Median—$39,118—$12,4580.32

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Grantham, approximately 62% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.