Fayetteville Arkansas was recently ranked the #7 best place to live in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Beyond housing the flagship campus of University of Arkansas - the top-ranked computer science school in Arkansas - Fayetteville earned high marks for its low cost of living, beautiful natural environment which includes the stunning Ozark mountains, strong job market, friendly residents, and thriving food and art scenes. Many of these benefits can be realized throughout The Natural State. The two best computer schools in Arkansas are both part of the University of Arkansas system - with U of A in Fayetteville taking the top spot, followed by UA Little Rock in the state capital.
This page will explore the top-ranked computer science colleges in Arkansas, as well as the best online computer schools for Arkansans. We'll also look at potential career outcomes for comp-sci grads in Arkansas, including the state's highest paying cities and IT career paths.
Best CS Schools in Arkansas
Compare the best computer science colleges in Arkansas.
University of Arkansas - Fayetteville
Nestled in the rugged Ozark Mountains, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville consistently ranks among the nation's leading public colleges. U of A is renowned for its value (less then $8,500 tuition for AR residents - before financial aid is applied), small class sizes, and reputation as a national leader in research and academics. Benefits of studying computer science at the U of A Fayetteville include ABET accredited CS programs in cutting-edge topics like data analysis, hardware and software engineering, wearable computing, sensor technologies and cybersecurity.
- Computer Science Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
- Bachelor's in CS or CE with Cybersecurity Concentration
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
- Master's in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
- Ph.D. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
- View all programs at U of A - Fayetteville
- Campus Locations:
- University of Arkansas - Fayetteville | College of Engineering | 4183 Bell Engineering Center | Fayetteville, AR 72701
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Also part of the University of Arkansas system, this school located in the state capital of Little Rock is a great place to learn computer science and information technology. Comp-Sci students at UA Little Rock have the opportunity to study topics on the forefront of computing including mobile application development, information security, machine learning, data visualization, game design, and virtual/augmented reality.
- Popular Computer Science Programs:
- Associate of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- B.S. Computer Science in Game Design
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Ph.D. in Computer & Information Sciences
- View all programs at UA Little Rock
- Campus Locations:
- UA Little Rock Computer Science Dept. | 2801 South University Avenue | EIT 579 | Little Rock, AR 72204
Top-Paying CS Careers in Arkansas
For those who work in-state after graduating a computer science program in Arkansas, here's how much you can earn in the state's top-paying tech roles.
| IT Career Path | Average Salary in AR |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Manager | $120,080 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $105,480 |
| IT Security Specialist | $96,390 |
| Database Architect | $95,350 |
| Network Architect | $94,140 |
| Computer Programmer | $89,510 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional CS Salaries in Arkansas
These cities and metropolitan areas in Arkansas pay the highest salaries to IT and CS professionals.
| Location in AR | Average CS Salary |
|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | $89,270 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $72,260 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | $72,230 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $68,220 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $65,270 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $64,550 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Technology and education insiders answer FAQs from prospective applicants to Arkansas computer schools.
Does University of Arkansas have a good computer science program?
Yes, U of A Fayetteville is the top-ranked university for computer science in Arkansas. Additionally, University of Arkansas' undergraduate CS program is ranked 121st in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
What's the best graduate school for computer science in Arkansas?
The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville offers the best CS graduate program in Arkansas. U.S. News & World Report ranks this program 146th in America.
Online Computer Schools in Arkansas
These top-rated online computer science schools are enrolling students in Arkansas.
