Median Earnings (1yr)
$76,832
45th percentile
60th percentile in Arkansas
Median Debt
$21,240
15% below national median

Analysis

University of Arkansas engineering graduates enter the workforce earning $76,832β€”roughly on par with the national median but notably stronger than most Arkansas alternatives. Among the state's six engineering programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, outperforming competitors like Arkansas Tech by about $5,000 annually. The debt load of $21,240 translates to a 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can reasonably pay off loans in under four months of gross salary.

The earnings trajectory shows steady if unspectacular growth, reaching $82,623 by year four. That 8% increase keeps pace with inflation but doesn't signal the explosive mid-career gains some engineering disciplines deliver. Still, these are solid starting salaries for Arkansas's cost of living, and the manageable debt makes this program accessible without creating financial strain. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers represent a reasonably stable pattern.

For Arkansas families, this represents straightforward value: reliable engineering employment at competitive in-state salaries without the debt burden that plagues many programs. The 72% admission rate makes it accessible to strong students who may not qualify for more selective out-of-state options, and the outcomes justify staying close to home rather than paying premium tuition elsewhere.

Where University of Arkansas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications 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$76,832$82,623+8%
University of California-Berkeley$137,295$202,911+48%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology$117,345$172,897+47%
Carnegie Mellon University$139,337$149,740+7%
Arkansas Tech University$71,878$69,283-4%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (6 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of ArkansasFayetteville$9,748$76,832$82,623$21,2400.28
Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville$8,508$71,878$69,283$17,1000.24
National Medianβ€”$77,710β€”$24,9890.32

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications 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

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/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:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.