Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024

Badge for BEST IN ARKANSAS COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Here are the best colleges and universities in Arkansas, categorized into two lists – research universities and liberal arts colleges – to help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Arkansas

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  1. University of Arkansas
  2. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
  3. Arkansas State University
  4. University of Central Arkansas
  5. Hendrix College
  6. Harding University
  7. Arkansas Tech University
  8. John Brown University
  9. Henderson State University
  10. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  1. University of Arkansas
  2. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
  3. Arkansas State University
  4. Hendrix College
  5. University of Central Arkansas
  6. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  7. Harding University
  8. Henderson State University
  9. John Brown University
  10. University of Arkansas at Monticello
  1. Arkansas Tech University 94%
  2. University of Central Arkansas 92%
  3. University of Arkansas 83%
  4. Henderson State University 75%
  5. Ouachita Baptist University 74%
  6. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 68%
  7. Hendrix College 68%
  8. Williams Baptist University 64%
  9. Arkansas State University 63%
  10. Southern Arkansas University 63%
  1. Arkansas Baptist College 22 to 1
  2. University of Arkansas 19 to 1
  3. Southern Arkansas University 18 to 1
  4. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith 18 to 1
  5. University of Arkansas Grantham 18 to 1
  6. Arkansas Tech University 17 to 1
  7. Williams Baptist University 16 to 1
  8. University of the Ozarks 16 to 1
  9. University of Central Arkansas 15 to 1
  10. Harding University 14 to 1
  1. Hendrix College $33,350
  2. Lyon College $30,414
  3. Ouachita Baptist University $30,140
  4. John Brown University $28,924
  5. University of the Ozarks $24,950
  6. Harding University $22,230
  7. Williams Baptist University $18,570
  8. Central Baptist College $17,400
  9. Crowley's Ridge College $15,250
  10. Philander Smith University $13,014
  1. Hendrix College $33,000
  2. John Brown University $13,920
  3. Ouachita Baptist University $13,500
  4. Harding University $10,540
  5. University of Arkansas $7,875
  6. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $7,092
  7. University of Arkansas at Monticello $6,631
  8. University of Arkansas at Little Rock $5,760
  9. Henderson State University $5,670
  10. Arkansas Tech University $5,414
  1. University of Arkansas Grantham
  2. Williams Baptist University
  3. Central Baptist College
  4. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
  5. Arkansas Baptist College
  6. University of the Ozarks
  7. Crowley's Ridge College
  8. Lyon College
  9. Philander Smith University
  10. University of Arkansas at Monticello
  1. Williams Baptist University
  2. University of Arkansas Grantham
  3. Central Baptist College
  4. Crowley's Ridge College
  5. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
  6. University of the Ozarks
  7. Lyon College
  8. Arkansas Baptist College
  9. Ouachita Baptist University
  10. Southern Arkansas University
  1. Lyon College 27%
  2. John Brown University 53%
  3. Harding University 54%
  4. University of the Ozarks 55%
  5. University of Arkansas at Little Rock 58%
  6. Central Baptist College 62%
  7. Southern Arkansas University 63%
  8. Arkansas State University 63%
  9. Williams Baptist University 64%
  10. Hendrix College 68%
  1. Crowley's Ridge College 10 to 1
  2. Hendrix College 10 to 1
  3. University of Arkansas at Monticello 11 to 1
  4. Central Baptist College 11 to 1
  5. Lyon College 11 to 1
  6. Ouachita Baptist University 12 to 1
  7. Philander Smith University 12 to 1
  8. University of Arkansas at Little Rock 13 to 1
  9. Harding University 14 to 1
  10. Arkansas State University 14 to 1
  1. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $4,104
  2. University of Arkansas at Monticello $4,779
  3. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,130
  4. Arkansas State University $5,232
  5. Arkansas Tech University $5,736
  6. Henderson State University $5,880
  7. University of Arkansas at Little Rock $6,495
  8. Southern Arkansas University $6,750
  9. University of Central Arkansas $6,870
  10. University of Arkansas $7,666
  1. University of Arkansas Grantham $4,200
  2. Arkansas State University $4,986
  3. University of Central Arkansas $5,063
  4. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,184
  5. Southern Arkansas University $5,274
  6. Arkansas Tech University $5,414
  7. Henderson State University $5,670
  8. University of Arkansas at Little Rock $5,760
  9. University of Arkansas at Monticello $6,631
  10. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $7,092

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?

Arkansas’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Arkansas' Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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We’ve identified 22 colleges and universities in Arkansas that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Arkansas below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Arkansas.

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Best Colleges in Arkansas 2023

  1. #1

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,656
    Expenses: $18,644
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Arkansas’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • General Business
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Resources And Workforce Development Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Development And Family Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,456
    Expenses: $17,097
    Starting Salary: $36,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Arkansas State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Organizational Supervision
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Digital Innovation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Disaster Preparedness/Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Creative Media Production
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Nursing: RN to BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,778
    Expenses: $14,870
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Central Arkansas’s Online Degrees

    BBA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Insurance And Risk Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General 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
  4. #6

    Harding University

    Searcy , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Harding University

    Cost of Degree: $23,148
    Expenses: $12,716
    Starting Salary: $47,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Harding University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Bible And Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  5. #7

    Arkansas Tech University

    Russellville , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $8,071
    Expenses: $14,130
    Starting Salary: $38,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arkansas Tech University known for?

    Arkansas Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  6. #8

    John Brown University

    Siloam Springs , AR

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/25

    Career Outlook for degree at John Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $29,720
    Expenses: $13,540
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is John Brown University known for?

    John Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  7. #9

    Henderson State University

    Arkadelphia , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1007/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Henderson State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,560
    Expenses: $19,534
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    900/16

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

    Cost of Degree: $8,574
    Expenses: $13,776
    Starting Salary: $30,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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

  9. #11

    Ouachita Baptist University

    Arkadelphia , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Ouachita Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $31,180
    Expenses: $14,150
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Arkansas University

    Cost of Degree: $9,580
    Expenses: $15,765
    Starting Salary: $39,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Arkansas University known for?

    Southern Arkansas University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southern Arkansas University’s Online Degrees

    BBA/MBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 150
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas at Monticello

    Cost of Degree: $8,431
    Expenses: $13,342
    Starting Salary: $35,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Arkansas at Monticello known for?

    University of Arkansas at Monticello’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #14

    Philander Smith University

    Little Rock , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Philander Smith University

    Cost of Degree: $13,014
    Expenses: $13,198
    Starting Salary: $27,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Philander Smith University known for?

    Philander Smith University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #15

    Lyon College

    Batesville , AR

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    27%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Lyon College

    Cost of Degree: $31,000
    Expenses: $14,750
    Starting Salary: $44,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lyon College known for?

    Lyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #16

    Crowley's Ridge College

    Paragould , AR

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Crowley's Ridge College

    Cost of Degree: $15,600
    Expenses: $11,680
    Starting Salary: $29,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Crowley's Ridge College known for?

    Crowley's Ridge College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  15. #17

    University of the Ozarks

    Clarksville , AR

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/20

    Career Outlook for degree at University of the Ozarks

    Cost of Degree: $25,950
    Starting Salary: $38,600
    What is University of the Ozarks known for?

    University of the Ozarks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #18

    Arkansas Baptist College

    Little Rock , AR

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    9%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas Baptist College

    Cost of Degree: $8,760
    Expenses: $14,300
    Starting Salary: $25,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arkansas Baptist College known for?

    Arkansas Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith

    Cost of Degree: $6,418
    Expenses: $15,576
    Starting Salary: $35,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  18. Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Baptist College

    Cost of Degree: $17,700
    Expenses: $11,696
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Central Baptist College known for?

    Central Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  19. #21

    Williams Baptist University

    Walnut Ridge , AR

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Williams Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $19,450
    Expenses: $13,340
    Starting Salary: $36,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Williams Baptist University known for?

    Williams Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    28%

    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
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Arkansas’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.

  1. Hendrix College
  2. University of Arkansas
  3. Lyon College
  4. Ouachita Baptist University
  5. Arkansas State University
  6. John Brown University
  7. Henderson State University
  8. Philander Smith University
  9. Harding University
  10. University of Central Arkansas
  11. Southern Arkansas University
  12. University of the Ozarks
  13. Crowley's Ridge College
  14. Williams Baptist University
  15. Arkansas Tech University
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