Computer and Information Sciences at University of Central Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas computer science graduates start at $57,912—above Arkansas' median of $53,356 but trailing the national median by about $3,400. Among Arkansas' 11 computer science programs, UCA ranks in the 60th percentile, landing squarely in the middle tier behind University of Arkansas ($59,857) and Strayer-Arkansas ($67,315) but comfortably ahead of smaller state schools. The moderate debt load of $25,901 translates to a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay this off within their first few years of work.

The concerning signal here is earnings growth: after four years, median pay reaches just $59,965—barely a 4% increase. For a field where continuous skill development typically translates to salary jumps, this stagnation suggests graduates may be settling into regional markets with limited advancement opportunities. The wide-open 90% admission rate and accessibility to Pell students (37%) indicate UCA serves as an important access point for Arkansas residents, but the earnings ceiling appears lower than what top computer science programs deliver.

For Arkansas families prioritizing in-state tuition, UCA offers reasonable value with manageable debt and starting salaries that beat the state average. However, students with stronger academic profiles should weigh whether University of Arkansas' slightly higher outcomes and larger employer network justify the potential cost difference. The real risk isn't the starting salary—it's whether graduates will find the career momentum to push past $60,000.