Computer Engineering at University of Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Arkansas graduates earn $77k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all computer engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $77,306 | $103,783 | $26,500 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $78,952 | — | $24,500 | 0.31 |
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.