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Computer Science at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $51,896/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

ROI 28.2x earnings multiple (14.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #150 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 50%

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	$803K	$778K	$628K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	29.1x	28.2x	22.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	14.6x	14.1x	11.4x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	82	81	74

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$27,624

Out-of-state: $55,080 (14.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$40,388

-46% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,490

5.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$79,556

53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $51,896 per year, Computer Science graduates from University of Arkansas-Fort Smith earn below the $62,617 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 28.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 22% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $21,490 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #150 ranking among 443 Computer Science programs places University of Arkansas-Fort Smith in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $51,896-to-$79,556 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

With 81% of applicants admitted, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,133 students in Fort Smith, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith →

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

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Consider the Trade Route?

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 81/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?

At 81/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?

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 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith a good choice for Computer Science despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Arkansas-Fort Smith'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 →