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Computer Science at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,904/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 15.2x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #363 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $520K $517K $481K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.3x 15.2x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.0x 8.9x 8.3x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,032
Out-of-state: $58,008 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,684
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,975
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$59,014
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $45,904/yr fall 27% below the $62,617 national median for Computer Science. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 15.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,975 in median debt against $45,904 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #363 ranking among 443 Computer Science programs places Arkansas Tech University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,993 students in Russellville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas Tech University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 443 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($146,204) University of California-Los Angeles ($136,099) Yale University ($133,293) Rice University ($131,154) Northeastern University ($115,587) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($115,587) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($113,634) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($113,503)

Other Majors at Arkansas Tech University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($71,878) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($68,794) Mechanical Engineering ($68,765) Agricultural Business and Management ($44,810) Business/Managerial Economics ($44,146) Homeland Security ($43,090) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($41,160) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($39,866)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Arkansas Tech University?
At 63/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Arkansas Tech University?
The 69% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Arkansas Tech University a good choice for Computer Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Arkansas Tech University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →