Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
uark.eduAnalysis
University of Arkansas engineering graduates enter the workforce earning $76,832βroughly 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,748 | $76,832 | $82,623 | $21,240 | 0.28 | |
| $8,508 | $71,878 | $69,283 | $17,100 | 0.24 | |
| National Median | β | $77,710 | β | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
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.