University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs in Arkansas.

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The Arkansas labor force for different sectors moves up and down, depending on how each sector performs from month to month. As an example, the civilian labor force’s employment ranged from 130,557 up to 135,820. Percentage wise, the unemployment rate moved from 4.4% to 4.3% recently.

The latest tracked time period for annual wages was May of 2020. During this time, the annual mean wage for all occupations was $45,000, while the hourly median wage was $16.51.

Employment numbers for other sectors included non-farm, construction, mining, logging, manufacturing, information, financial activities, professional and business activities, leisure and hospitality, trade, transportation and utilities, and education and health services. Government employment was also included in these numbers.

No matter your career goals or what industry you plan to become a part of, higher education is something that you almost can’t do without in today’s world. Nearly all of these industries, from agriculture to finance, require or at the least greatly reward well educated employees.


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Online Higher Education in Arkansas


Online education includes a huge segment of students who attend Arkansas colleges and universities. These schools have 46,552 students enrolled in online-only (distance learning) courses. The same colleges have 62,800+ students who are enrolled in some online courses or degree programs; these students may be enrolled in a hybrid learning format, in which they take some courses online and others on-campus.

The total student enrollment in the state is nearly 151,600 students, many of which attend online-only or hybrid classes. Breaking this down further, undergraduate schools enrolled around 93,800 students in online courses; the number of students taking at least one graduate course online was 15,600+.

The cost of attendance for Arkansas students and out-of-state students is another important factor for those considering attending college in the state. Undergraduate students attending school in-state paid around $5,000 on average for tuition and fees, $1,332 for books and supplies, and $12,174 for room and board. This made their total cost of attendance around $18,500. Out-of-state students paid closer to $8,300 in tuition and fees, while their other costs for attendance were the same, giving them a total cost of around $21,800.

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For many schools, there is no difference between the cost for an online vs. an on-campus degree. The main difference between these options is the extra cost of boarding, food, gas, etc. This is another reason why so many students these days are considering earning their degree online.

Our School Rankings Methodology


The methodology used to arrive at school rankings should be accurate, unbiased, and up to date. Students and their families rely on these numbers to help them find the best education available at a reasonable price. However, determining the value of student experiences is not always objective. Beyond the rankings and percentages, students accumulate memories, experiences, and impressions, which may be much more subjective. This is why it’s important for students to have plenty of objective information before they develop an opinion about the more subjective offerings from their school options.

Graduating salaries, one of the many data points we use in our rankings, may help students to choose a degree program that aligns with their skills and interests while also offering them the ability to do well in their life after college. Knowing how much financial aid or placement assistance can help a prospective student get a feel for how much help they can expect from the school throughout their college academic career.

In ranking online universities and colleges in Arkansas, our researchers used data from a variety of reliable sources. This includes sources provided by the school itself, government sources, and those from other respected organizations. By gathering objective information, we allow students to really know what they’re choosing between when one school seems to have a great, tight-knit community and another offers a big-city night life.

Ranking factors we use include:

  • Admission Rate
  • Retention Rate
  • Graduation Rate (4- and 6-year)
  • Cost of Tuition
  • Number of Programs Offered
  • Online Programs Offered
  • Graduating Salary
  • Diplomas Awarded
  • Number of Students provided Financial Aid
  • Loan Default Rate

Top 20 Best Online Associate & Community Colleges in Arkansas


1

Southern Arkansas University Tech

Score: 81.9

  • 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: 67.49

  • 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: 64.89

  • 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

Arkansas Northeastern College

Score: 60.72

  • 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
6

Ozarka College

Score: 60.27

  • 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
7

Arkansas State University-Newport

Score: 59.65

  • 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
8

University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville

Score: 59.3

  • 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
9

Arkansas State University Three Rivers

Score: 56.78

  • 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
10

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Score: 56.15

  • 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
11

University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

Score: 55.78

  • 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
12
  • 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
13

South Arkansas Community College

Score: 54.08

  • 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
14

Arkansas State University Mid-South

Score: 53.08

  • 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
15

East Arkansas Community College

Score: 52.17

  • 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
16

North Arkansas College

Score: 51.6

  • 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
17

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Score: 50.93

  • 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
18

Southeast Arkansas College

Score: 50.87

  • 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
19

National Park College

Score: 48.89

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,050
    • Out-of-State:$7,280
  • Net Price: $8,508
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 54%
  • Graduation Rate: 26%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,340
  • Undergrad Students: 2,340
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • National Park College
20
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,848
    • Out-of-State:$7,248
  • Net Price: $13,324
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 60%
  • Graduation Rate: 23%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,245
  • Undergrad Students: 4,245
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $31,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Top 15 Best Online Colleges 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: 78.17

  • 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
  • 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
6

Southern Arkansas University

Score: 73.98

  • 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
7
  • 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
8
  • 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
9
  • 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
10
  • 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
11

Williams Baptist University

Score: 67.07

  • 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
12

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Score: 66.56

  • 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
13

Ouachita Baptist University

Score: 65.33

  • 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
14
  • 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
15

Central Baptist College

Score: 60.01

  • 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
4

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