University campus in Arkansas
Updated January 2026

Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas — 2026 Rankings

Compare the top data analytics colleges in Arkansas. 5 accredited data analytics schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value—from Arkansas State University to University of Arkansas.

#1 ProgramU of Arkansas
Avg Salary$85,730
Tuition From$7,176/yr
Job Growth+22%

Key Takeaways

Best data analytics degree programs: U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, U of Arkansas at Little Rock

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $6,600 to $31,780/year

Arkansas State offers the most affordable option at $7,176/yr

IPEDS 2023

Data Analytics degree programs available: 4 master's in Arkansas

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

Major employers: Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Dillards

Tech hubs in Bentonville and Little Rock

Hakia Research 2026

Data Analytics degree programs near 42+ cities across Arkansas

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page
$85,730
Are Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas Worth It?
Yes. The best data analytics degree programs in Arkansas deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $85,730 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $12,072/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas, 2026

5
Programs
$85,730
Median Salary
$12,072/yr
Avg Tuition
87%
Avg Grad Rate

Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology

Program Landscape

Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, U of Arkansas at Little Rock, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Arkansas data analytics programs earn a median salary of $72,871—26% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $6,600 to $31,780 annually, with an average of $12,072/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 87%, with the highest reaching 93%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Arkansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking data analytics degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

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University of Arkansas

PublicNSA CAE
Fayetteville, AR
$7,666
Tuition/yr
$256
Per Credit
80%
Grad Rate
76.0
Score
Website
🥈

Arkansas State University

Public
Jonesboro, AR
$7,176
Tuition/yr
$299
Per Credit
93%
Grad Rate
52.3
Score
Website
🥉

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

PublicNSA CAE
Little Rock, AR
$6,600
Tuition/yr
$220
Per Credit
47.1
Score
Website
#4

Ouachita Baptist University

Private
Arkadelphia, AR
$31,780
Tuition/yr
$725
Per Credit
40.0
Score
Website
#5

University of Central Arkansas

Public
Conway, AR
$7,140
Tuition/yr
$238
Per Credit
30.0
Score
Website

Best Data Analytics Master's Programs in Arkansas, 2026

4
Programs
$85,730
Median Salary
$7,146/yr
Avg Tuition
87%
Avg Grad Rate

Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology

Program Landscape

Arkansas offers 4 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—U of Arkansas, Arkansas State, U of Arkansas at Little Rock—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.

Career Outcomes

Master's graduates in Arkansas earn a median salary of $85,730, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt actively recruiting from these programs.

Costs & Value

Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $7,146/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.

Curriculum & Specializations

Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Arkansas's data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

Advance your career with a Data Analytics master's degree

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University of Arkansas

PublicNSA CAE
Fayetteville, AR
$7,666
Tuition/yr
$256
Per Credit
80%
Grad Rate
76.0
Score
Website
🥈

Arkansas State University

Public
Jonesboro, AR
$7,176
Tuition/yr
$299
Per Credit
93%
Grad Rate
75.2
Score
Website
🥉

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

PublicNSA CAE
Little Rock, AR
$6,600
Tuition/yr
$220
Per Credit
48.7
Score
Website
#4

University of Central Arkansas

Public
Conway, AR
$7,140
Tuition/yr
$238
Per Credit
35.8
Score
Website

Complete Data Analytics Degree Program Rankings in Arkansas

Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas

### Program Landscape Arkansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with **5 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **4 public** and **1 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **U of Arkansas**, **Arkansas State**, **U of Arkansas at Little Rock**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. ### Career Outcomes Graduates from Arkansas data analytics programs earn a median salary of **$72,871**—26% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt. ### Costs & Value Tuition ranges from **$6,600** to **$31,780** annually, with an average of **$12,072/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **87%**, with the highest reaching **93%**. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards. ### Curriculum & Specializations Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Arkansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking data analytics degrees in Arkansas, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

  1. #1. University of Arkansas

    Hakia ranks University of Arkansas as the #1 bachelor's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This public institution in Fayetteville, AR has annual tuition of $7,666 ($256/credit) and a 80% graduation rate. Ranking score: 76.0. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE, CAE-R.

    Watch: College of Engineering 2020 virtual senior walk

  2. #2. Arkansas State University

    Hakia ranks Arkansas State University as the #2 bachelor's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This public institution in Jonesboro, AR has annual tuition of $7,176 ($299/credit) and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 52.3.

  3. #3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

    Hakia ranks University of Arkansas at Little Rock as the #3 bachelor's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This public institution in Little Rock, AR has annual tuition of $6,600 ($220/credit). Ranking score: 47.1. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE.

    Watch: Welcome to UA Little Rock!

  4. #4. Ouachita Baptist University

    Hakia ranks Ouachita Baptist University as the #4 bachelor's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This private institution in Arkadelphia, AR has annual tuition of $31,780 ($725/credit). Ranking score: 40.0.

  5. #5. University of Central Arkansas

    Hakia ranks University of Central Arkansas as the #5 bachelor's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This public institution in Conway, AR has annual tuition of $7,140 ($238/credit). Ranking score: 30.0.

    Watch: UCA Campus Tour

Best Master's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas

### Program Landscape Arkansas offers **4** master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—**U of Arkansas**, **Arkansas State**, **U of Arkansas at Little Rock**—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development. ### Career Outcomes Master's graduates in Arkansas earn a median salary of **$85,730**, approximately **20-30% higher** than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt actively recruiting from these programs. ### Costs & Value Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages **$7,146/yr**, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals. ### Curriculum & Specializations Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Arkansas's data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

  1. #1. University of Arkansas

    Hakia ranks University of Arkansas as the #1 master's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This public institution in Fayetteville, AR has annual tuition of $7,666 ($256/credit) and a 80% graduation rate. Ranking score: 76.0. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE, CAE-R.

    Watch: College of Engineering 2020 virtual senior walk

  2. #2. Arkansas State University

    Hakia ranks Arkansas State University as the #2 master's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This public institution in Jonesboro, AR has annual tuition of $7,176 ($299/credit) and a 93% graduation rate. Ranking score: 75.2.

  3. #3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

    Hakia ranks University of Arkansas at Little Rock as the #3 master's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This public institution in Little Rock, AR has annual tuition of $6,600 ($220/credit). Ranking score: 48.7. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE.

    Watch: Welcome to UA Little Rock!

  4. #4. University of Central Arkansas

    Hakia ranks University of Central Arkansas as the #4 master's in data analytics degree program in Arkansas. This public institution in Conway, AR has annual tuition of $7,140 ($238/credit). Ranking score: 35.8.

    Watch: UCA Campus Tour

Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in Arkansas

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$12,072/year
Average out-of-state tuition$30,180/year
Community college tuition$3,018/year
4-year savings for residents$72,432
2+2 transfer pathway savings$18,108

Source: IPEDS 2023

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Arkansas

State Aid Programs

Arkansas students pursuing data analytics degrees have access to strong federal and state financial aid programs. The federal government offers grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), administered via (Federal Student Aid). All Arkansas public institutions participate in this system, making it the primary resource for financing your education. Additionally, Arkansas offers the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards eligible academically talented students up to $5,000 per year. This state-funded program significantly reduces the burden of tuition costs and is available through (Arkansas Division of Higher Education).

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state and federal aid, many Arkansas institutions offering data analytics programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office to explore program-specific scholarships and graduate assistantships, particularly at larger research universities like the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, which award significant aid packages to qualified candidates. For more information on available programs and application processes, visit (Federal Student Aid) and (Arkansas Division of Higher Education). Compare aid packages across schools using (College Scorecard), which provides transparent cost and aid data.

Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator — Arkansas

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree in Arkansas. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree
$

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+907%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,677,254

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$133,333

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.9%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Data Analytics Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Arkansas metro areas

Hakia.com
View data table
Categoryvalue
Bentonville$94K
Little Rock$90K
Fayetteville$86K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Data Analytics Graduates in Arkansas

Find data analytics jobs in Arkansas. These major employers across Arkansas metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Data Analytics Jobs in Bentonville-Rogers

AR
Walmart Global Tech
tech
Sam's Club Tech
retail-tech
J.B. Hunt Transport
logistics
Tyson Foods
food-tech

Data Analytics Jobs in Little Rock

AR
Dillards
retail
Acxiom
data
Windstream
telecom

Data Analytics Jobs in Fayetteville

AR
University of Arkansas
education
Walmart
retail-tech

Transfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in Arkansas

State Transfer System

Arkansas provides seamless transfer pathways through the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS), which guarantees course transfer among public institutions. This system is critical for students beginning at one of Arkansas's 25 two-year institutions, including University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, and University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, which offer 3 associate's degree programs in data analytics. ACTS ensures that credits earned at community colleges transfer directly to four-year institutions without loss, enabling students to complete associate degrees and seamlessly transition to bachelor's programs at universities like University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, or University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Arkansas Course Transfer System).

How Transfers Work

The transfer pathway offers significant cost advantages, associate's programs at community colleges cost significantly less than four-year institutions. For example, University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton charges $2,688 annually, compared to $6,494 average at public four-year universities. Students complete foundational coursework in statistics, database fundamentals, and programming at lower cost, then complete specialized bachelor's coursework at research universities. This model is increasingly popular; 3 associate's institutions actively participate in statewide articulation agreements (Arkansas Division of Higher Education). For broader transfer and affordability context, explore most affordable programs and online programs. Related transfer-friendly programs appear in Database Management in Arkansas and Information Systems in Arkansas.

Why Pursue a Data Analytics Degree in Arkansas?

Industry & Workforce

Arkansas offers a strong ecosystem for data analytics education with 14 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state boasts 7 bachelor's programs and 4 master's programs, producing 240 completions annually across all credential types. The University of Arkansas leads the state with 142 completions, followed by Arkansas State University with 60 completions, demonstrating strong institutional capacity and graduate placement pathways. Students benefit from affordable tuition, with average public four-year in-state rates at just $6,494 annually, significantly lower than the national average.

Salary Outlook

Arkansas's geographic location positions students near major data-driven employers including Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt across growing tech hubs in Fayetteville, Bentonville, and the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area. The state's commitment to affordability extends through the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 annually for academically talented students. For prospective students, comparing Arkansas programs to national standards is worthwhile, explore national best bachelor's programs and best online options to contextualize Arkansas offerings. Related fields like Data Science in Arkansas and Machine Learning in Arkansas provide complementary educational pathways.

5 Programs
Data Analytics Program Availability in Arkansas
Arkansas offers 5 accredited data analytics programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Bentonville, Little Rock, Fayetteville.

Source: IPEDS 2023

Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Arkansas

Employment Outlook

Arkansas's data analytics job market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the state's expanding technology sector and the increasing digitalization of traditional industries. The state's major metropolitan areas. Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, are emerging as regional tech hubs with strong demand for data professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state's labor market continues to reward skilled data analytics professionals with competitive compensation packages. The diversification of Arkansas's economy, from retail and logistics to healthcare and advanced manufacturing, has created multiple pathways for data analytics careers across different sectors.

Salaries by Metro

The strongest job concentrations for data analytics professionals are found in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area and the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway region. These areas benefit from the presence of Fortune 500 companies and growing tech startups, creating a dynamic job market. Career seekers in Arkansas can explore opportunities through College Scorecard to understand employment outcomes from leading programs. For comprehensive state-level employment data and salary information, BLS occupational data provides detailed insights into the broader analytics and data science field. Students graduating from Arkansas's 14 institutions offering data analytics programs are well-positioned to enter this competitive market.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Arkansas$55,725$124,309
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Data Analytics Programs in Arkansas

Online Programs

0 available in Arkansas

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$10,865/yr$12,072/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Other States

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in California19$11,834University of Southern California
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Texas16$30,694The University of Texas at Dallas
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in New York17$45,450New York University
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Florida13$4,640University of Florida
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Washington8$11,524University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Massachusetts12$59,750Bridgewater State University
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Illinois21$36,950University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Georgia4$33,080Emory University

Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas: FAQ

How We Rank Data Analytics Degree Programs

Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 5 data analytics degree programs in Arkansas using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for data analytics graduates. Arkansas median salary of $85,730 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2023 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024 — State and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

BLS OEWS May 2024

Arkansas salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 22, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.

Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas — Detailed School Profiles

Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas

University of Arkansas — Fayetteville, AR

Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines agricultural data analytics through CADA with interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, business, and arts & sciences, emphasizing real-world applications in agriculture and biological research.

Hakia Insight: University of Arkansas uniquely routes agricultural data analytics through CADA—students work on billion-dollar crop yield and soil optimization problems while building portfolios in a sector where data science talent remains chronically scarce, creating job market leverage most graduates never encounter.

At the bachelor's level, the University of Arkansas M.S. in Statistics and Analytics offers seven specialized concentrations including Business Analytics, Operations Analytics, and Computational Analytics, providing comprehensive coverage from statistical theory to practical applications. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, with curriculum tailored to specific career paths in data science and analytics.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Center for Agricultural Data Analytics
  • Arkansas High Performance Computing Center
  • Institute for Advanced Data Analytics
  • Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies
  • Center for Statistical Research and Consulting
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Karl Schubert — Data science program direction and industrial engineering
  • Dr. Samantha Robinson — Statistics, biostatistics, and data science consulting
  • Dr. Richard Adams — Agricultural statistics and entomology
  • Dr. Samuel Fernandes — Agricultural statistics and quantitative genetics
  • Dr. Aranyak Goswami — Bioinformatics and computational genomics
  • Dr. Jackson Cothren — Geospatial technologies
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.2 (for GMAT/GRE waiver). Application Deadline: July 1 (part-time), March 1 priority (full-time domestic), November 1 (international).

Location Advantages:

Arkansas State University — Jonesboro, AR

Key Distinction: Arkansas State University's data analytics program is distinguished by its Center for No-Boundary Thinking approach, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between AI, bioinformatics, and advanced data science without traditional academic boundaries.

Hakia Insight: Arkansas State's Center for No-Boundary Thinking isn't marketing language; the program genuinely integrates bioinformatics, elections data science, and rural health analytics into one curriculum, giving undergrads exposure to federal research partnerships (MIT Election Lab, CDC) that most bachelor's programs reserve for grad students.

At the bachelor's level, arkansas State University's data analytics program is delivered through the Department of Computer Science within the College of Engineering & Computer Science, offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate pathways in data science and data analytics. The program provides both B.S. Data Science and Data Analytics (DSDA) degrees with specialized emphases in Data Analytics and Data Science, each requiring students to choose from multiple domain areas including Business, Healthcare, Geospatial Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, and Social Data Analytics. The university has established the Center for No-Boundary Thinking, a multidisciplinary research center that develops human infrastructure at the frontier of bioinformatics, advanced data science, and artificial intelligence. This center promotes interdisciplinary collaboration without traditional academic boundaries and operates through four specialized divisions: Biological Systems, Advanced Data Science and Learning, Algorithms and Computational Methodology, and Medical Sciences and Public Health. The program is supported by modern facilities including the 82,000-square-foot Arkansas Biosciences Institute and various specialized research facilities. Graduate offerings include M.S. in Computer Science with Data Science emphasis and certificates in Data Analytics and Data Science. The Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, which houses related programs, serves students across 20+ undergraduate programs and 10+ graduate programs, preparing graduates for careers throughout Arkansas and beyond as scientists in industry, technology, and research laboratories.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Center for No-Boundary Thinking
  • Arkansas Biosciences Institute
  • Institute for Rural Initiatives
  • Ecotoxicology Research Facility
  • Center of Quantitative Fisheries Ecology
Industry Partners
  • Elections Trust Initiative (sponsor)
  • Arkansas Department of Health (sponsor)
  • Centers for Disease Control (sponsor)
  • MIT Election Data and Science Lab (collaborator)
  • National Sedimentation Laboratory (collaborator)
  • USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory (collaborator)
  • National Center for Toxicological Research (collaborator)
  • Old Dominion University (collaborator)
  • University of Mississippi (collaborator)
  • Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Jake Qualls — Chair of Computer Science and Associate Professor of Bioinformatics
  • Dr. Jason Causey — Associate Professor of Bioinformatics
  • Dr. Amanda Carpenter — Public Health and Research Program Management
  • Dr. Jennifer Bouldin — Environmental Sciences and Molecular Biosciences
  • Dr. Donghoon Kim — Computer Science
  • Dr. Mohamed Milad — Statistics
  • Dr. Richard Segall — Computer & Information Technology
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.0 GPA (2.0 for transfer students). Application Deadline: February 15, April 15, September 15.

Accreditations and Certifications
  • AACSB International

Location Advantages: Access to Arkansas Biosciences InstituteProximity to rural research opportunitiesConnection to federal research facilities

University of Arkansas at Little Rock — Little Rock, AR

Key Distinction: The program uniquely integrates immersive visualization technologies including The CAVE facility with advanced data analytics through the George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center, combining theoretical research with practical applications in healthcare and interactive technology development.

Hakia Insight: UA Little Rock's integration of The CAVE immersive visualization facility with the Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center means students present findings in VR environments before they graduate—a rare technical skill that commands immediate premium in healthcare analytics and interactive technology roles where spatial reasoning directly impacts clinical decision-making.

At the bachelor's level, UA Little Rock offers comprehensive data analytics programs through both Computer Science and Business tracks, with students gaining access to funded research opportunities at the Emerging Analytics Center and recent graduates securing positions at top tech companies like Microsoft Research, Meta, and Unity.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center
  • The CAVE
  • EAC Lab
  • MidSouth Bioinformatics Center
Industry Partners
  • Acxiom (collaborator)
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (collaborator)
  • Heifer International (collaborator)
  • IBM (collaborator)
  • ALCATEL (collaborator)
  • Philips Research (collaborator)
  • Siemens AG (collaborator)
  • Rockwell International (collaborator)
  • AT&T (collaborator)
  • U-HAUL International (collaborator)
  • US Government Accountability Office (employer)
  • Advance Print Solutions (employer)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Microsoft Research, Haliburton, Unity, Meta, CAE.

Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Ahmed Abu-Halimeh — Information/Data Quality, Data Analytics, Data Integration, Human-Computer Interaction, Health Informatics
  • Dr. Arya Basu — Virtual Reality and Human-Computer Interaction research investigating human spatial decision-making in virtual environments
  • Dr. Nitin Agarwal — Social computing, knowledge extraction in social media, behavioral modeling, data mining, health informatics
  • Dr. Xiaowei Xu — Machine Learning, Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Data Science, and Deep Learning
  • Dr. Mary Yang — Systems Genomics, Bioinformatics, Statistical Learning, Data Mining, Machine Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
  • Higher Learning Commission

Location Advantages: Located in capital city with two large military basesAccess to numerous financial, energy, IT services, and retail organizationsStrong relationships with industry partners for internships and job placements

Ouachita Baptist University — Arkadelphia, AR

Hakia Insight: Ouachita Baptist University offers comprehensive data analytics education through both BS and BA pathways.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online

Location Advantages:

University of Central Arkansas — Conway, AR

Key Distinction: UCA's data analytics program stands out for its stackable undergraduate-to-graduate structure and faculty research productivity, enabling students to build expertise incrementally while staying connected to published, cutting-edge work.

Hakia Insight: UCA's stackable degree structure means you can earn a bachelor's while simultaneously conducting faculty-led research—then continue that same research thread into a master's without restarting, a continuity most programs break at the credential boundary.

At the bachelor's level, the University of Central Arkansas distinguishes its data analytics pathway through a deliberate ladder structure: students begin with introductory coursework in the undergraduate program, then can extend into graduate-level specializations in machine learning, business analytics, and statistical modeling. This stackable approach means undergraduates aren't locked into a single track; they can test interests early and pivot or deepen expertise later. The graduate program, in particular, attracts working professionals and recent graduates seeking advanced credentials, and it balances theoretical rigor (hypothesis testing, experimental design, Bayesian methods) with applied capstones using real datasets from regional employers. Faculty actively publish in peer-reviewed journals and maintain active research programs in areas like predictive modeling and data visualization, creating opportunities for motivated students to contribute to published work. UCA's location in Conway, within the Little Rock metro area, positions students for internships and employment with Fortune 500 service centers, healthcare systems, and state agencies, all major data analytics employers in Arkansas. The program's strength lies not in one flashy specialization but in a flexible, research-informed pathway that accommodates diverse student goals—whether that's industry placement, doctoral preparation, or specialized technical certifications.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
  • Higher Learning Commission

Location Advantages: Proximity to Fortune 500 service centers, healthcare systems, and state government in Little Rock metro area

Best Master's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Arkansas

University of Arkansas — Fayetteville, AR

Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines agricultural data analytics through CADA with interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, business, and arts & sciences, emphasizing real-world applications in agriculture and biological research.

Hakia Insight: The Center for Agricultural Data Analytics partnership gives you access to real crop yield datasets and biological research that tech-focused programs never touch, positioning you for roles in AgTech and biotech where domain expertise commands premium salaries.

At the master's level, the University of Arkansas M.S. in Statistics and Analytics offers seven specialized concentrations including Business Analytics, Operations Analytics, and Computational Analytics, providing comprehensive coverage from statistical theory to practical applications. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, with curriculum tailored to specific career paths in data science and analytics.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Center for Agricultural Data Analytics
  • Arkansas High Performance Computing Center
  • Institute for Advanced Data Analytics
  • Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies
  • Center for Statistical Research and Consulting
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Karl Schubert — Data science program direction and industrial engineering
  • Dr. Samantha Robinson — Statistics, biostatistics, and data science consulting
  • Dr. Richard Adams — Agricultural statistics and entomology
  • Dr. Samuel Fernandes — Agricultural statistics and quantitative genetics
  • Dr. Aranyak Goswami — Bioinformatics and computational genomics
  • Dr. Jackson Cothren — Geospatial technologies
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.2 (for GMAT/GRE waiver). Application Deadline: July 1 (part-time), March 1 priority (full-time domestic), November 1 (international).

Location Advantages:

Arkansas State University — Jonesboro, AR

Key Distinction: Arkansas State University's data analytics program is distinguished by its Center for No-Boundary Thinking approach, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between AI, bioinformatics, and advanced data science without traditional academic boundaries.

Hakia Insight: Arkansas State's partnerships with the CDC and MIT Election Data Lab mean you're not just learning analytics theory—you're working on election integrity and public health datasets that shape federal policy, a rare opportunity for students outside top-tier research institutions.

At the master's level, arkansas State University's data analytics program is delivered through the Department of Computer Science within the College of Engineering & Computer Science, offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate pathways in data science and data analytics. The program provides both B.S. Data Science and Data Analytics (DSDA) degrees with specialized emphases in Data Analytics and Data Science, each requiring students to choose from multiple domain areas including Business, Healthcare, Geospatial Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, and Social Data Analytics. The university has established the Center for No-Boundary Thinking, a multidisciplinary research center that develops human infrastructure at the frontier of bioinformatics, advanced data science, and artificial intelligence. This center promotes interdisciplinary collaboration without traditional academic boundaries and operates through four specialized divisions: Biological Systems, Advanced Data Science and Learning, Algorithms and Computational Methodology, and Medical Sciences and Public Health. The program is supported by modern facilities including the 82,000-square-foot Arkansas Biosciences Institute and various specialized research facilities. Graduate offerings include M.S. in Computer Science with Data Science emphasis and certificates in Data Analytics and Data Science. The Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, which houses related programs, serves students across 20+ undergraduate programs and 10+ graduate programs, preparing graduates for careers throughout Arkansas and beyond as scientists in industry, technology, and research laboratories.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Center for No-Boundary Thinking
  • Arkansas Biosciences Institute
  • Institute for Rural Initiatives
  • Ecotoxicology Research Facility
  • Center of Quantitative Fisheries Ecology
Industry Partners
  • Elections Trust Initiative (sponsor)
  • Arkansas Department of Health (sponsor)
  • Centers for Disease Control (sponsor)
  • MIT Election Data and Science Lab (collaborator)
  • National Sedimentation Laboratory (collaborator)
  • USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory (collaborator)
  • National Center for Toxicological Research (collaborator)
  • Old Dominion University (collaborator)
  • University of Mississippi (collaborator)
  • Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Jake Qualls — Chair of Computer Science and Associate Professor of Bioinformatics
  • Dr. Jason Causey — Associate Professor of Bioinformatics
  • Dr. Amanda Carpenter — Public Health and Research Program Management
  • Dr. Jennifer Bouldin — Environmental Sciences and Molecular Biosciences
  • Dr. Donghoon Kim — Computer Science
  • Dr. Mohamed Milad — Statistics
  • Dr. Richard Segall — Computer & Information Technology
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 3.0 GPA (2.0 for transfer students). Application Deadline: February 15, April 15, September 15.

Accreditations and Certifications
  • AACSB International

Location Advantages: Access to Arkansas Biosciences InstituteProximity to rural research opportunitiesConnection to federal research facilities

University of Arkansas at Little Rock — Little Rock, AR

Key Distinction: The program uniquely integrates immersive visualization technologies including The CAVE facility with advanced data analytics through the George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center, combining theoretical research with practical applications in healthcare and interactive technology development.

Hakia Insight: The CAVE immersive visualization facility lets you move beyond dashboards and spreadsheets into spatial data storytelling; combined with healthcare partnerships through UAMS, you're building skills in a sector where visual analytics expertise is still scarce and highly paid.

At the master's level, UA Little Rock offers comprehensive data analytics programs through both Computer Science and Business tracks, with students gaining access to funded research opportunities at the Emerging Analytics Center and recent graduates securing positions at top tech companies like Microsoft Research, Meta, and Unity.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center
  • The CAVE
  • EAC Lab
  • MidSouth Bioinformatics Center
Industry Partners
  • Acxiom (collaborator)
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (collaborator)
  • Heifer International (collaborator)
  • IBM (collaborator)
  • ALCATEL (collaborator)
  • Philips Research (collaborator)
  • Siemens AG (collaborator)
  • Rockwell International (collaborator)
  • AT&T (collaborator)
  • U-HAUL International (collaborator)
  • US Government Accountability Office (employer)
  • Advance Print Solutions (employer)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Microsoft Research, Haliburton, Unity, Meta, CAE.

Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Ahmed Abu-Halimeh — Information/Data Quality, Data Analytics, Data Integration, Human-Computer Interaction, Health Informatics
  • Dr. Arya Basu — Virtual Reality and Human-Computer Interaction research investigating human spatial decision-making in virtual environments
  • Dr. Nitin Agarwal — Social computing, knowledge extraction in social media, behavioral modeling, data mining, health informatics
  • Dr. Xiaowei Xu — Machine Learning, Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Data Science, and Deep Learning
  • Dr. Mary Yang — Systems Genomics, Bioinformatics, Statistical Learning, Data Mining, Machine Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
  • Higher Learning Commission

Location Advantages: Located in capital city with two large military basesAccess to numerous financial, energy, IT services, and retail organizationsStrong relationships with industry partners for internships and job placements

University of Central Arkansas — Conway, AR

Key Distinction: UCA's data analytics program stands out for its stackable undergraduate-to-graduate structure and faculty research productivity, enabling students to build expertise incrementally while staying connected to published, cutting-edge work.

Hakia Insight: Unlike programs that reset at the master's level, UCA students who advanced through the bachelor's already have published research on their CV and established advisor relationships—a two-year head start in the credibility academics and employers actually value.

At the master's level, the University of Central Arkansas distinguishes its data analytics pathway through a deliberate ladder structure: students begin with introductory coursework in the undergraduate program, then can extend into graduate-level specializations in machine learning, business analytics, and statistical modeling. This stackable approach means undergraduates aren't locked into a single track; they can test interests early and pivot or deepen expertise later. The graduate program, in particular, attracts working professionals and recent graduates seeking advanced credentials, and it balances theoretical rigor (hypothesis testing, experimental design, Bayesian methods) with applied capstones using real datasets from regional employers. Faculty actively publish in peer-reviewed journals and maintain active research programs in areas like predictive modeling and data visualization, creating opportunities for motivated students to contribute to published work. UCA's location in Conway, within the Little Rock metro area, positions students for internships and employment with Fortune 500 service centers, healthcare systems, and state agencies, all major data analytics employers in Arkansas. The program's strength lies not in one flashy specialization but in a flexible, research-informed pathway that accommodates diverse student goals—whether that's industry placement, doctoral preparation, or specialized technical certifications.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
  • Higher Learning Commission

Location Advantages: Proximity to Fortune 500 service centers, healthcare systems, and state government in Little Rock metro area