Arkansas is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the nation, offering diverse majors for various career paths. Whether you’re pursuing a business degree, a career in psychology, or an engineering future, Arkansas’ institutions have top-notch programs. With options for four-year degrees at the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, as well as smaller community colleges offering associate degrees, you'll receive the education needed for success.

The state features two major university systems: the University of Arkansas system, which includes six campuses, two law schools, a medical school, and seven community colleges, and Arkansas State University, with 10 campuses statewide and one in Querétaro, Mexico. Additionally, Arkansas is home to about 12 private colleges, many with strong religious affiliations. For busy students, online degree programs make earning a degree flexible and accessible, ensuring you can build a successful future from anywhere.

Arkansas state map

How Much Can You Make with a Degree?


The potential earnings for someone with a degree in Arkansas can vary widely depending on the field of study, level of degree, and career path. On average, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Arkansas earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma. According to labor market data in early 2025, a bachelor’s degree holder in Arkansas can earn an average salary of $46,000 to $52,000 annually, depending on the industry. Fields such as healthcare, engineering, and technology tend to offer higher salaries, with potential earnings exceeding $80,000 or more for experienced professionals. Advanced degrees like master's or doctorates can lead to even higher earning potential, especially in specialized areas such as law, medicine, or academia. Local economic factors and cost of living in Arkansas also make these salaries relatively competitive.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$36,816* $46,748* $55,016* $77,636* $90,324* $109,668*

Featured Online Programs

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Arkansas


As of November 2024, Arkansas' unemployment rate stands at 3.3%, reflecting a stable and improving job market. This positive trend underscores the state's economic resilience and growth.

In this dynamic environment, certain degrees and careers are particularly in demand. According to the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services' 2024-2025 Demand Occupations report, fields such as healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades are experiencing significant growth. These sectors offer promising opportunities for individuals seeking to align their education with the state's economic needs.

This section explores the most popular degrees and careers in Arkansas, providing insights into educational paths that lead to rewarding professions in the state's thriving job market.

Top Business Careers and Salaries


CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Accounting 7,110 $70,290
Economist 90 $79,220
Financial Analyst 1,310 $84,690
Financial Management 7,150 $119,530
Information Technology 43,000 $38,989
Logistics 1,790 $75,710
Management 89,800 $98,060
Market Analyst 5,650 $71,970
Marketing Manager 1,360 $129,340
Public Policy Analyst - -
Financial Risk Specialist 150 $79,900

Top Computers Careers and Salaries


CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Civil Engineer 1,400 $67,100
Construction Managers 2,160 $77,900
Data Scientist 30,810 $96,200
Electrical Engineer 960 $76,400
Environmental Engineer 100 $66,100
Mechanical Engineer 1,150 $71,400
Urban Planners 100 $57,700

Top Education Careers and Salaries


CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Psychology Teacher 200 $45,000
Public School Teacher 11,940 $50,300

Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries


CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Hospital Administration 5,680 $87,600
Medical Assistant 3,850 $34,300
Occupational Therapy 1,200 $66,600
Pharmacy Technician 4,880 $35,600
Physical Therapy 1,990 $71,500
Radiology Technician 2,300 $48,100
Registered Nurse 252,210 $65,400
Sociologist 2,630 $57,400

Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries


CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Clinical Psychologist 730 $80,800
Data Scientist 30,810 $96,200
Economist 100 $76,400
Engineering Psychologist 120 $98,900
Market Analyst 4,630 $56,400
Neuropsychologist 90 $93,700
Organizational Psychologist 630 $78,300
Psychiatrist 160 $211,800
Public Policy Analyst - $59,500
Public School Teacher 11,940 $50,300
Risk Analyst 1,900 $65,400
Sociologist 2,630 $57,400
Want to See All the Arkansas Occupational Wage Averages

Top Occupations With the Highest Forecasted Growth Rate


The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services has aggregated the professions that are predicted to add the most jobs in the years 2020-30. The healthcare sector is dominant in the list, but they also predict expansion in skilled trades, education, and legal services. Here are the top 10 Arkansas professions slated to have the most growth:

Find Online Arkansas Schools

Occupation Projected Growth
Nurse Practitioners 54.04%
Cooks, Restaurant 51.77%
Fundraisers 47.6%
Occupational Therapy Assistants 43.7%
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, Ticket Takers 43.31%
Operations Research Analysts 38.74%
Speech-Language Pathologists 38.69%
Physical Therapist Assistants 37.26%
Tour and Travel Guides 36.76%

Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Arkansas


1

Southern Arkansas University Tech

Score: 81.82

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,685
    • Out-of-State:$4,685
  • Net Price: $4,153
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Total Enrollment: 943
  • Undergrad Students: 943
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $50,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Southern Arkansas University Tech
2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,508
    • Out-of-State:$14,502
  • Net Price: $12,016
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,445
  • Undergrad Students: 8,722
  • Graduate Students: 723
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Arkansas Tech University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
3

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Score: 67.45

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,868
    • Out-of-State:$14,718
  • Net Price: $12,693
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,719
  • Undergrad Students: 2,270
  • Graduate Students: 449
  • Grads Salary: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of Arkansas at Monticello
4

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

Score: 64.61

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,650
    • Out-of-State:$5,270
  • Net Price: $3,680
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,234
  • Undergrad Students: 1,234
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $27,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
5

University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

Score: 61.85

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,864
    • Out-of-State:$4,104
  • Net Price: $5,929
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 679
  • Undergrad Students: 679
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $28,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain
6

Arkansas Northeastern College

Score: 61.24

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,850
    • Out-of-State:$4,250
  • Net Price: $5,367
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 56%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,502
  • Undergrad Students: 1,502
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Arkansas Northeastern College
7

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

Score: 60.34

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,296
    • Out-of-State:$4,746
  • Net Price: $5,345
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,278
  • Undergrad Students: 1,278
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $29,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
8

Ozarka College

Score: 60.33

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,820
    • Out-of-State:$6,820
  • Net Price: $3,991
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 47%
  • Total Enrollment: 983
  • Undergrad Students: 983
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $24,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Ozarka College
9

Arkansas State University-Newport

Score: 59.57

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,856
    • Out-of-State:$4,320
  • Net Price: $9,631
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 55%
  • Graduation Rate: 47%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,592
  • Undergrad Students: 1,592
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Arkansas State University-Newport
10

University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville

Score: 59.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,918
    • Out-of-State:$4,542
  • Net Price: $9,224
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 45%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,008
  • Undergrad Students: 1,008
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $31,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
11

Arkansas State University Three Rivers

Score: 56.83

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,568
    • Out-of-State:$4,168
  • Net Price: $4,596
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 51%
  • Graduation Rate: 36%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,832
  • Undergrad Students: 1,832
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $30,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Arkansas State University Three Rivers
12

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Score: 56.25

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,566
    • Out-of-State:$5,022
  • Net Price: $6,578
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,593
  • Undergrad Students: 7,593
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $39,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • NorthWest Arkansas Community College
13
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,584
    • Out-of-State:$7,242
  • Net Price: $6,480
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Graduation Rate: 34%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,566
  • Undergrad Students: 1,566
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $35,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Black River Technical College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
14

University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

Score: 55.75

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,880
    • Out-of-State:$4,960
  • Net Price: $7,240
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,188
  • Undergrad Students: 1,188
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $28,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
15

South Arkansas Community College

Score: 54.24

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,540
    • Out-of-State:$5,364
  • Net Price: $5,651
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 49%
  • Graduation Rate: 28%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,162
  • Undergrad Students: 1,162
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • South Arkansas Community College
16

Arkansas State University Mid-South

Score: 52.92

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,552
    • Out-of-State:$4,560
  • Net Price: $8,483
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Total Enrollment: 979
  • Undergrad Students: 979
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $24,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Arkansas State University Mid-South
17

East Arkansas Community College

Score: 52.1

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,188
    • Out-of-State:$4,980
  • Net Price: $8,564
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 55%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,179
  • Undergrad Students: 1,179
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $27,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • East Arkansas Community College
18

North Arkansas College

Score: 51.63

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,816
    • Out-of-State:$5,544
  • Net Price: $8,168
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 55%
  • Graduation Rate: 32%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,856
  • Undergrad Students: 1,856
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $32,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • North Arkansas College
19

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Score: 51.23

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,216
    • Out-of-State:$5,040
  • Net Price: $8,443
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,928
  • Undergrad Students: 2,928
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $29,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Arkansas State University-Beebe
20

Southeast Arkansas College

Score: 50.6

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,960
    • Out-of-State:$8,260
  • Net Price: $6,617
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 54%
  • Graduation Rate: 24%
  • Total Enrollment: 898
  • Undergrad Students: 898
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $30,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Southeast Arkansas College

Top 20 Best Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,748
    • Out-of-State:$28,772
  • Net Price: $16,208
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,936
  • Undergrad Students: 26,269
  • Graduate Students: 4,667
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of Arkansas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
2

Harding University

Score: 81.03

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $24,888
    • Out-of-State:$24,888
  • Net Price: $19,558
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,805
  • Undergrad Students: 3,523
  • Graduate Students: 1,282
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Harding University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
3

Hendrix College

Score: 79.35

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,650
    • Out-of-State:$36,650
  • Net Price: $22,626
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,144
  • Undergrad Students: 1,132
  • Graduate Students: 12
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Hendrix College
4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,455
    • Out-of-State:$19,210
  • Net Price: $11,173
  • Acceptance Rate: 61%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,197
  • Undergrad Students: 5,825
  • Graduate Students: 2,372
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • University of Arkansas at Little Rock
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,754
    • Out-of-State:$13,826
  • Net Price: $12,011
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,190
  • Undergrad Students: 8,201
  • Graduate Students: 4,989
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Arkansas State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $30,832
    • Out-of-State:$30,832
  • Net Price: $20,997
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,326
  • Undergrad Students: 1,801
  • Graduate Students: 525
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • John Brown University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
7

Southern Arkansas University

Score: 75.2

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,820
    • Out-of-State:$15,400
  • Net Price: $14,056
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,094
  • Undergrad Students: 3,148
  • Graduate Students: 1,946
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Southern Arkansas University
8

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Score: 73.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,019
    • Out-of-State:$17,029
  • Net Price: $9,959
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,387
  • Undergrad Students: 2,182
  • Graduate Students: 205
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,508
    • Out-of-State:$14,502
  • Net Price: $12,016
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,445
  • Undergrad Students: 8,722
  • Graduate Students: 723
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Arkansas Tech University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,118
    • Out-of-State:$17,258
  • Net Price: $15,456
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,913
  • Undergrad Students: 7,994
  • Graduate Students: 1,919
  • Grads Salary: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of Central Arkansas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
11

Ouachita Baptist University

Score: 68.81

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $32,480
    • Out-of-State:$32,480
  • Net Price: $21,677
  • Acceptance Rate: 72%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,784
  • Undergrad Students: 1,730
  • Graduate Students: 54
  • Grads Salary: $56,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Ouachita Baptist University
12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,280
    • Out-of-State:$8,280
  • Net Price: $9,546
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 36%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,436
  • Undergrad Students: 4,598
  • Graduate Students: 838
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 33:1
  • University of Arkansas Grantham
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
13

Williams Baptist University

Score: 68.43

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $20,330
    • Out-of-State:$20,330
  • Net Price: $14,488
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 58%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 584
  • Undergrad Students: 562
  • Graduate Students: 22
  • Grads Salary: $59,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Williams Baptist University
14

University of the Ozarks

Score: 68.09

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $25,950
    • Out-of-State:$25,950
  • Net Price: $16,319
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 784
  • Undergrad Students: 784
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of the Ozarks
15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,906
    • Out-of-State:$13,770
  • Net Price: $10,705
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,379
  • Undergrad Students: 5,335
  • Graduate Students: 44
  • Grads Salary: $59,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
16

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Score: 67.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,868
    • Out-of-State:$14,718
  • Net Price: $12,693
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,719
  • Undergrad Students: 2,270
  • Graduate Students: 449
  • Grads Salary: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of Arkansas at Monticello
17

Philander Smith University

Score: 64.91

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,014
    • Out-of-State:$13,014
  • Net Price: $15,634
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 30%
  • Total Enrollment: 769
  • Undergrad Students: 769
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Philander Smith University
18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,885
    • Out-of-State:$9,882
  • Net Price: $17,656
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,519
  • Undergrad Students: 1,807
  • Graduate Students: 712
  • Grads Salary: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Henderson State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
19

Central Baptist College

Score: 62.42

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,680
    • Out-of-State:$19,680
  • Net Price: $18,128
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Total Enrollment: 564
  • Undergrad Students: 564
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $56,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Central Baptist College
20

Lyon College

Score: 61.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $31,000
    • Out-of-State:$31,000
  • Net Price: $25,545
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 51%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Total Enrollment: 496
  • Undergrad Students: 496
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Lyon College

Top 15 Best Master's Programs in Arkansas


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,748
    • Out-of-State:$28,772
  • Net Price: $16,208
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,936
  • Undergrad Students: 26,269
  • Graduate Students: 4,667
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of Arkansas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
2

Harding University

Score: 79.07

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $24,888
    • Out-of-State:$24,888
  • Net Price: $19,558
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,805
  • Undergrad Students: 3,523
  • Graduate Students: 1,282
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Harding University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,455
    • Out-of-State:$19,210
  • Net Price: $11,173
  • Acceptance Rate: 61%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,197
  • Undergrad Students: 5,825
  • Graduate Students: 2,372
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • University of Arkansas at Little Rock
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,754
    • Out-of-State:$13,826
  • Net Price: $12,011
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,190
  • Undergrad Students: 8,201
  • Graduate Students: 4,989
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Arkansas State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
5

Hendrix College

Score: 76.77

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,650
    • Out-of-State:$36,650
  • Net Price: $22,626
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,144
  • Undergrad Students: 1,132
  • Graduate Students: 12
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Hendrix College
6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $30,832
    • Out-of-State:$30,832
  • Net Price: $20,997
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,326
  • Undergrad Students: 1,801
  • Graduate Students: 525
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • John Brown University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
7

Southern Arkansas University

Score: 74.39

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,820
    • Out-of-State:$15,400
  • Net Price: $14,056
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,094
  • Undergrad Students: 3,148
  • Graduate Students: 1,946
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Southern Arkansas University
8

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Score: 73.42

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,019
    • Out-of-State:$17,029
  • Net Price: $9,959
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,387
  • Undergrad Students: 2,182
  • Graduate Students: 205
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,508
    • Out-of-State:$14,502
  • Net Price: $12,016
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,445
  • Undergrad Students: 8,722
  • Graduate Students: 723
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Arkansas Tech University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,280
    • Out-of-State:$8,280
  • Net Price: $9,546
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 36%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,436
  • Undergrad Students: 4,598
  • Graduate Students: 838
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 33:1
  • University of Arkansas Grantham
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,118
    • Out-of-State:$17,258
  • Net Price: $15,456
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,913
  • Undergrad Students: 7,994
  • Graduate Students: 1,919
  • Grads Salary: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of Central Arkansas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,906
    • Out-of-State:$13,770
  • Net Price: $10,705
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,379
  • Undergrad Students: 5,335
  • Graduate Students: 44
  • Grads Salary: $59,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
13

Williams Baptist University

Score: 67.52

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $20,330
    • Out-of-State:$20,330
  • Net Price: $14,488
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 58%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 584
  • Undergrad Students: 562
  • Graduate Students: 22
  • Grads Salary: $59,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Williams Baptist University
14

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Score: 66.84

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,868
    • Out-of-State:$14,718
  • Net Price: $12,693
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,719
  • Undergrad Students: 2,270
  • Graduate Students: 449
  • Grads Salary: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of Arkansas at Monticello
15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,885
    • Out-of-State:$9,882
  • Net Price: $17,656
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,519
  • Undergrad Students: 1,807
  • Graduate Students: 712
  • Grads Salary: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Henderson State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Cost of Arkansas College Education & Salaries


The cost of college is a major concern for most students. While you will probably need a formal education to achieve the status and salary you desire, the up-front expenditures might seem overwhelming. While you might be able to offset your college expenses with scholarships and grants, you are almost guaranteed to graduate with debt.

Your expenses will rise if you attend a private college or an out-of-state institution. If you are tempted to attend a school outside of Arkansas, you might want to complete your first two years in-state at a university or community college. You can then transfer to complete your degree. It may be possible, however, to lower your out-of-state tuition expense by taking online courses. Every school is different, but some don't charge a premium to online out-of-state students.

When assessing your Arkansas college costs, look at the long-term personal and career satisfaction that a degree will bring. Even those courses that seem superfluous, such as composition, will one day pay off. For instance, your composition course might instill writing skills that pay off when you write cover letters for a job, and then when you prepare presentations to investors. Every dollar spent on education is a dollar well spent.

Lastly, when you are nearing graduation, look into loan deferment or forgiveness programs. Some allow you to work for a number of years in government or non-profit organizations as a means to pay off the loan. These jobs often pay a competitive market rate and will provide invaluable experience. Also consider that government jobs frequently come with significant benefits, including top-notch healthcare programs for you and your family.

Tuition Cost Analysis - In-state vs. National


Average Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $8,391

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State – $20,825

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

It's no longer possible to pay for college by saving up from a summer job. In fact, the rising cost of tuition means that many students need to apply for some form of financial aid before they graduate from college. This is usually in the form of a student loan that must be repaid with interest. Thankfully, there are scholarships, grants, and fellowships available to offset your expenses without a repayment plan. In Arkansas, less than half of all students need to apply for financial aid. While your state's financial aid rates are still about 5% higher than the national average.

Financial Aid Arkansas Nationally
Received Federal Grants 43% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,291 $10,927