Best Colleges in Arkansas for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Arkansas College Guide – What You Need to Know

Get Matched With Arkansas Programs

Arkansas colleges and universities are among some of the finest in the nation. The Universities are top notch, covering a wide range of majors that can suit most any career type. You can attend a top business school, prepare for a brilliant career in psychology, or launch a path in the engineering world that is as exciting as it is productive. The University of Arkansas and State University systems offer campuses for four-year degrees, as well as smaller community colleges for an associate. No matter how you get started, an accredited Arkansas school will make sure you finish in top form.

Some of the best colleges and universities are in Arkansas. Arkansas is home to two excellent university systems. The University of Arkansas system includes six full university campuses, two law schools, a medical school, and seven community colleges. Arkansas State has approximately 10 campuses in the state and one in Querétaro, Mexico. Arkansas is also home to approximately 12 private colleges that have strong religious affiliations.

While there are a variety of on-campus academic opportunities, Arkansas also offers plenty of online degree programs. If you are busy with school or family, you can still take courses that lead to a degree and a bright future.

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Arkansas?

Given the wide range of Arkansas colleges and universities, you can find a bachelor's degree that will prepare you for a fulfilling and successful career. For instance, the University of Arkansas's Walton College of Business offers an AACSB-accredited business education, placing it at the top of the business school listings. You can also find a full range of majors in Health Sciences, including healthcare administration. There are too many bachelor's degrees offered in Arkansas to be mentioned here. However, if you want to launch a career in social sciences, psychology, medicine, or engineering, you are in a great state.

Your online Arkansas degree might in one of these popular, and potentially lucrative, fields:

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation


NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

Compare Popular Online Arkansas Programs

Best Associate Degrees in Arkansas


Starting off your college career at a community college is one of the most affordable ways to attend postsecondary classes. As you look for the best colleges in the state of Arkansas, you might consider earning your associate degree in your chosen field before transferring to a 4-year university to complete your degree program. Or you may want a quicker diploma that allows you to move into your chosen career field faster. These programs can offer you either of those options at the highest quality.

Ozarka College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,170
Graduation Rate
57%
Net Price
$5,809
Grads Salary
$27,300
Shorter College
College Type
2-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
221
Graduation Rate
42%
Net Price
$14,913
Grads Salary
$42,100
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
1,459
Graduation Rate
52%
Net Price
$7,896
Grads Salary
$25,500
Arkansas Tech University
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
11,829
Graduation Rate
44%
Net Price
$11,277
Grads Salary
$34,100
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
8,383
Graduation Rate
27%
Net Price
$6,079
Grads Salary
$37,900
University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
865
Graduation Rate
52%
Net Price
$6,066
Grads Salary
$20,800
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
1,541
Graduation Rate
41%
Net Price
$4,377
Grads Salary
$27,100
Arkansas State University-Beebe
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
3,317
Graduation Rate
42%
Net Price
$9,084
Grads Salary
$29,400
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,325
Graduation Rate
39%
Net Price
$10,191
Grads Salary
$32,200
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
1,836
Graduation Rate
37%
Net Price
$7,902
Grads Salary
$27,500
Full Ranking Report

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Arkansas


You’ll want to consider several colleges and universities before you decide which one has the best bachelor’s program for your career goals. Why not pick from the best schools in the state? Whether you plan to begin a career in technology, real estate, or marketing, you have to find the right program for you. Get the most out of the college experience.

University of Arkansas
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
27,559
Graduation Rate
68%
Net Price
$16,759
Grads Salary
$67,500
Harding University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,879
Graduation Rate
72%
Net Price
$19,454
Grads Salary
$63,300
Arkansas State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
13,356
Graduation Rate
53%
Net Price
$14,275
Grads Salary
$61,500
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,899
Graduation Rate
42%
Net Price
$12,235
Grads Salary
$63,700
Southern Arkansas University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,475
Graduation Rate
43%
Net Price
$13,561
Grads Salary
$64,000
University of the Ozarks
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
824
Graduation Rate
47%
Net Price
$16,009
Grads Salary
$66,000
Arkansas Tech University
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,829
Graduation Rate
44%
Net Price
$11,277
Grads Salary
$59,300
Hendrix College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,121
Graduation Rate
65%
Net Price
$20,778
Grads Salary
$63,800
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,498
Graduation Rate
39%
Net Price
$10,684
Grads Salary
$58,900
Williams Baptist University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
550
Graduation Rate
38%
Net Price
$16,646
Grads Salary
$70,000
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Arkansas


As you look for high-quality graduate degrees in Arkansas, you’ll have your choice of liberal arts universities, research institutions, and schools that make a Christian viewpoint the focus of their degrees. As you look for the best master’s degree in your field, you can use this list to help you narrow the field. You can also check out the best MBA Programs in Arkansas here.

University of Arkansas
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
27,559
Graduation Rate
68%
Net Price
$16,759
Grads Salary
$67,500
Harding University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,879
Graduation Rate
72%
Net Price
$19,454
Grads Salary
$63,300
Hendrix College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,121
Graduation Rate
65%
Net Price
$20,778
Grads Salary
$63,800
Arkansas State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
13,356
Graduation Rate
53%
Net Price
$14,275
Grads Salary
$61,500
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,899
Graduation Rate
42%
Net Price
$12,235
Grads Salary
$63,700
Williams Baptist University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
550
Graduation Rate
38%
Net Price
$16,646
Grads Salary
$70,000
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,475
Graduation Rate
43%
Net Price
$13,561
Grads Salary
$64,000
Arkansas Tech University
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,829
Graduation Rate
44%
Net Price
$11,277
Grads Salary
$59,300
John Brown University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,319
Graduation Rate
64%
Net Price
$21,578
Grads Salary
$59,200
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,498
Graduation Rate
39%
Net Price
$10,684
Grads Salary
$58,900
Full Ranking Report

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.

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College Cost Analysis - Arkansas vs National


Average Arkansas 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

Best Scholarships for Arkansas


College is not cheap. However, there are countless opportunities to win scholarships, grants, and fellowships that can help defray your tuition, or which will enhance your studies with funds for special research. Though few scholarships will cover your full tuition, or sometimes even the full cost of your books, when you win such an award it will serve as a special distinction on your resume.

AFG

Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)

https://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships/detail/arfutures/
Amount:
Deadline:
This grant is for those in STEM departments. The grants are also open to students studying subjects that are in high demand for their area. The funds cover tuition and fees if you qualify. Make sure you apply as soon as possible, as funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

ACS_logo

ACS

Academic Challenge Scholarship

https://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships/detail/academic-challenge-scholarships
Amount: $2,000 (1st and 2nd year students), $4,000 (3rd and 4th year students)
Deadline: June 1
To qualify for this scholarship, you must be accepted to an approved institution, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, 27 semester hours for the first year, and 30 hours per year thereafter. High school students must have a minimum ACT score of 19, or a 990 on the SAT and verified acceptance/enrollment in a qualifying college or university.

GDS

Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship

https://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships/detail/governors-distinguished-scholarship
Amount: Covers tuition, fees, and $10,000 of room and board
Deadline: February 1
This is a scholarship that will always be a badge of honor. Winners receive money for tuition, mandatory fees, and the first $10,000 of your room and board. To qualify, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a minimum 32 on the ACT, or a 1410 on the SAT.

MDS

Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS)

https://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships/detail/military-dependents-scholarship-mds
Amount: All tuition, mandatory fees, room, and meal plan not covered by Dependents Education Assistance or chapter 35 benefits.
Deadline: June 1
If one of your parents was military personnel who was killed, missing in action, or taken as a prisoner of war, this scholarship can help you pay for college. To qualify, you must be an Arkansas resident, a US citizen or permanent resident, the child or spouse of an eligible Arkansas veteran, and be enrolled in an approved Arkansas institution.

SPS_logo

SPS

Single Parent Scholarships (SPSF)

https://www.aspsf.org/
Amount: Varies by County
Deadline: Varies by County
Low-income, single parents are encouraged to receive aid in the form of a debt-free scholarship. This award varies county-to-county, so visit the website to learn more about this scholarship.

SURF

Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

https://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships/detail/student-undergraduate-research-fellowship-surf
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 18
This fellowship is for undergraduate students who wish to pursue research projects within their major areas of study. You must be working with a faculty mentor, submit your transcripts, describe your proposed research in a five-page document, and provide letters of recommendation, among other materials. For a full list of requirements, see the website.

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