Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Arkansas offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas
- Hendrix College
- Arkansas Tech University
- John Brown University
- Henderson State University
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Southern Arkansas University
- University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Philander Smith University
- Lyon College
- Hendrix College
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Henderson State University
- John Brown University
- University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Philander Smith University
- Arkansas Tech University
- Southern Arkansas University
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Arkansas Baptist College
- Arkansas Tech University 94%
- Ouachita Baptist University 72%
- Henderson State University 71%
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 69%
- Southern Arkansas University 64%
- Central Baptist College 64%
- University of the Ozarks 60%
- Lyon College 60%
- Hendrix College 60%
- Williams Baptist University 59%
- University of Arkansas Grantham 33 to 1
- Arkansas Baptist College 23 to 1
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith 19 to 1
- Arkansas Tech University 18 to 1
- Williams Baptist University 16 to 1
- Henderson State University 16 to 1
- Southern Arkansas University 15 to 1
- John Brown University 15 to 1
- University of the Ozarks 14 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 13 to 1
- Hendrix College $35,100
- Ouachita Baptist University $31,180
- Lyon College $31,000
- John Brown University $29,720
- University of the Ozarks $25,950
- Williams Baptist University $19,450
- Central Baptist College $17,700
- Crowley's Ridge College $15,000
- Philander Smith University $13,014
- Arkansas Baptist College $8,760
- Hendrix College $34,750
- John Brown University $13,920
- Ouachita Baptist University $13,500
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $7,092
- University of Arkansas at Monticello $6,744
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,712
- Henderson State University $5,670
- Arkansas Tech University $5,481
- Southern Arkansas University $5,472
- University of Arkansas Grantham $4,200
- University of Arkansas Grantham
- Williams Baptist University
- Central Baptist College
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
- Arkansas Baptist College
- University of the Ozarks
- Crowley's Ridge College
- Lyon College
- Philander Smith University
- University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Williams Baptist University
- University of Arkansas Grantham
- Central Baptist College
- Crowley's Ridge College
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
- University of the Ozarks
- Lyon College
- Arkansas Baptist College
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Southern Arkansas University
- John Brown University 57%
- Williams Baptist University 59%
- Hendrix College 60%
- Lyon College 60%
- University of the Ozarks 60%
- Central Baptist College 64%
- Southern Arkansas University 64%
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 69%
- Henderson State University 71%
- Ouachita Baptist University 72%
- Crowley's Ridge College 9 to 1
- Lyon College 9 to 1
- Central Baptist College 10 to 1
- Hendrix College 11 to 1
- Philander Smith University 11 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Monticello 12 to 1
- Ouachita Baptist University 12 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 13 to 1
- University of the Ozarks 14 to 1
- Southern Arkansas University 15 to 1
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $4,200
- University of Arkansas at Monticello $5,091
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,640
- Arkansas Tech University $5,820
- Henderson State University $5,880
- Southern Arkansas University $7,020
- University of Arkansas Grantham $8,280
- Arkansas Baptist College $8,760
- Philander Smith University $13,014
- Crowley's Ridge College $15,000
- University of Arkansas Grantham $4,200
- Southern Arkansas University $5,472
- Arkansas Tech University $5,481
- Henderson State University $5,670
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,712
- University of Arkansas at Monticello $6,744
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $7,092
- Ouachita Baptist University $13,500
- John Brown University $13,920
- Hendrix College $34,750
Colleges and Universities in Arkansas
Colleges and universities in Arkansas are uniquely affordable, with just under half providing tuition rates of $9,000 or less. We’ve also found 7 high quality colleges offering online degree programs in Arkansas.
Indeed, online students can earn their degree at one of the state’s two largest universities, the University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University.
Though students can find some overlapping degree programs at the two schools, each has its specialties. For example, students hoping to pursue degrees in architecture, agriculture, or business may want to consider the University of Arkansas, while those interested in biology, nursing, or political science may want to attend Arkansas State University. It is possible to study these subjects both through traditional and online degree programs in the state of Arkansas.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Roughly one third of the schools in Arkansas have a religious affiliation. Student populations at these schools range from just under 200 students up to 5,000. Both traditional and online students can pursue degrees that merge religious studies with fields like chemistry and history.
Tuition rates at each of the state’s 12 private schools vary greatly. Arkansas’s private colleges and schools cost anywhere between $9,000 and $46,000. Many of these private colleges boast high graduation rates and small class sizes.
Arkansas is perhaps best-known and loved for its countless lakes, Hot Springs National Park, and the United States’ only active diamond mine. However, the Natural State houses many higher education institutes where both traditional and online students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a full range of disciplines.
With so many affordable schools and competitive on-campus and online degree programs, students attending school in Arkansas have the luxury of combining their individual budget needs with their desired degree paths. For more information on attending school in Arkansas, check out some of the state’s top schools.
What are Arkansas’s Colleges & Universities?
- 5 Research Universities
- 17 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 7 Graduate Schools
- 10 Public Colleges & Universities
- 12 Private Colleges & Universities
- 10 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 16 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 16 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 22 Community Colleges
- 7 Online Colleges
- 6 Online Master’s Programs
Arkansas’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 17 liberal arts colleges in Arkansas. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Arkansas, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2023
- #21 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
69%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
Career Outlook for degree at Hendrix College
Cost of Degree: $35,100Expenses: $17,600Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hendrix College known for?
Hendrix College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arkansas 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Arkansas 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #17 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #25 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
49%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/20
Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas Tech University
Cost of Degree: $8,071Expenses: $14,130Starting Salary: $38,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Arkansas Tech University known for?
Arkansas Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Business
- Education
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Arkansas Tech University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Leadership
Degree Concentrations
- Agriculture Business
- Child Development
- Inter-College
- Public Relations
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Agriculture Business
- Public Relations
- Criminal Justice
- Child Development
- Inter-College
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency Management And Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BFA in Creative Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BPS in Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
71%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/25
Career Outlook for degree at John Brown University
Cost of Degree: $29,720Expenses: $13,540Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is John Brown University known for?
John Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Communications
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Business
- Education
- Literature
- Biology
- Engineering
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
39%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
988/18
Career Outlook for degree at Henderson State University
Cost of Degree: $7,560Expenses: $19,534Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Henderson State University known for?
Henderson State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
41%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
925/16
Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Cost of Degree: $8,574Expenses: $13,776Starting Salary: $30,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff known for?
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
65%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/24
Career Outlook for degree at Ouachita Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $31,180Expenses: $14,150Starting Salary: $46,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ouachita Baptist University known for?
Ouachita Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Ouachita Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
45%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1047/20
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Arkansas University
Cost of Degree: $9,580Expenses: $15,765Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Arkansas University known for?
Southern Arkansas University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Business
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Education
- Engineering
- History
- Psychology
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Southern Arkansas University’s Online Degrees
BBA/MBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 150
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
39%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas at Monticello
Cost of Degree: $8,431Expenses: $13,342Starting Salary: $35,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas at Monticello known for?
University of Arkansas at Monticello’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Medical
- History
- Engineering
- Education
- Communications
- Sociology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
30%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Philander Smith University
Cost of Degree: $13,014Expenses: $13,198Starting Salary: $27,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Philander Smith University known for?
Philander Smith University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
38%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Lyon College
Cost of Degree: $31,000Expenses: $14,750Starting Salary: $44,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lyon College known for?
Lyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Education
- History
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$15K
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Crowley's Ridge College
Cost of Degree: $15,600Expenses: $11,680Starting Salary: $29,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Crowley's Ridge College known for?
Crowley's Ridge College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
41%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Ozarks
Cost of Degree: $25,950Starting Salary: $38,600What is University of the Ozarks known for?
University of the Ozarks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Education
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Communications
- History
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
8%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas Baptist College
Cost of Degree: $8,760Expenses: $14,300Starting Salary: $25,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Arkansas Baptist College known for?
Arkansas Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
42%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
Cost of Degree: $6,418Expenses: $15,576Starting Salary: $35,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas–Fort Smith known for?
University of Arkansas–Fort Smith’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Arkansas–Fort Smith’s Online Degrees
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
39%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
962/20
Career Outlook for degree at Central Baptist College
Cost of Degree: $17,700Expenses: $11,696Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Baptist College known for?
Central Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
45%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/21
Career Outlook for degree at Williams Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $19,450Expenses: $13,340Starting Salary: $36,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Williams Baptist University known for?
Williams Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #3 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #3 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #3 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
25%
Student body
9K
What is University of Arkansas Grantham known for?
University of Arkansas Grantham’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Arkansas Grantham’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Financial Planning
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Electronics Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Strategic Communications
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Arkansas’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.