Median Earnings (1yr)
$77,306
44th percentile
Median Debt
$26,500
8% above national median

Analysis

At $77,306 starting and $103,783 after four years, University of Arkansas computer engineering graduates see solid earnings growth—though the starting salary tracks just below the national median of $79,000. The 34% earnings bump from year one to year four is encouraging, showing graduates gain valuable skills and experience that translate to higher pay. Within Arkansas, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, performing better than most in-state alternatives, which matters if you're an Arkansas resident weighing in-state tuition options.

The debt picture is notably favorable: $26,500 is below the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34—meaning graduates earn nearly three times their debt in the first year alone. That's a manageable burden that shouldn't derail financial goals. The 28th percentile debt ranking nationally confirms this program keeps borrowing in check compared to peer institutions.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual outcomes could vary more than these medians suggest. Still, the fundamentals look reasonable: competitive earnings that grow meaningfully, low debt, and solid positioning among Arkansas engineering programs. For in-state students especially, this represents a sensible path into a high-demand field without excessive financial risk.

Where University of Arkansas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Arkansas$77,306$103,783+34%
University of Washington-Bothell Campus$141,588$168,957+19%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus$141,588$168,957+19%
Santa Clara University$103,804$159,782+54%
Duke University$111,145$137,144+23%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of ArkansasFayetteville$9,748$77,306$103,783$26,5000.34
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle$12,643$141,588$168,957$16,1270.11
University of Washington-Bothell CampusBothell$12,559$141,588$168,957$16,1270.11
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville$20,986$118,232$135,287$16,8750.14
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$111,560$122,307$20,5560.18
Duke UniversityDurham$65,805$111,145$137,144$14,5000.13
National Median$78,952$24,5000.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor'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

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/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

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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, approximately 17% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.