Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Arkansas engineering graduates enter the workforce earning $76,832—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
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 45th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications 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
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $76,832 | $82,623 | $21,240 | 0.28 |
| Arkansas Tech University | $71,878 | $69,283 | $17,100 | 0.24 |
| National Median | $77,710 | — | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Tech University Russellville | $8,508 | $71,878 | $17,100 |
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.