Best Community Colleges in Arkansas 2024

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The best community colleges provide an effective springboard into higher education, offering students high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The top-rated community colleges in Arkansas offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.

10 Best Community Colleges in Arkansas

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  1. Northwest Arkansas Community College
  2. University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
  3. North Arkansas College
  4. University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
  5. Cossatot Community College
  6. Arkansas State University-Newport
  7. National Park College
  8. Arkansas State University-Beebe
  9. Southeast Arkansas College
  10. Arkansas State University Mid-South
  1. University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
  2. Northwest Arkansas Community College
  3. University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
  4. North Arkansas College
  5. Southern Arkansas University Tech
  6. Arkansas State University Mid-South
  7. Southeast Arkansas College
  8. Cossatot Community College
  9. Arkansas State University-Beebe
  10. Black River Technical College
  1. University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton 100%
  1. University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton 20 to 1
  2. Cossatot Community College 17 to 1
  3. Arkansas Northeastern College 17 to 1
  4. Black River Technical College 16 to 1
  5. University of Arkansas Rich Mountain 16 to 1
  6. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College 15 to 1
  7. Arkansas State University-Beebe 15 to 1
  8. Arkansas State University–Mountain Home 14 to 1
  9. National Park College 14 to 1
  10. South Arkansas Community College 13 to 1
  1. Southern Arkansas University Tech $4,519
  2. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College $4,140
  3. Northwest Arkansas Community College $3,480
  4. National Park College $3,300
  5. Southeast Arkansas College $3,000
  6. East Arkansas Community College $2,940
  7. Arkansas State University Mid-South $2,832
  8. Ozarka College $2,790
  9. Cossatot Community College $2,700
  10. North Arkansas College $2,664
    1. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
    2. University of Arkansas Rich Mountain
    3. Arkansas State University–Mountain Home
    4. Arkansas State University Three Rivers
    5. East Arkansas Community College
    6. Arkansas Northeastern College
    7. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College
    8. Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
    9. South Arkansas Community College
    10. Ozarka College
    1. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
    2. University of Arkansas Rich Mountain
    3. Arkansas State University–Mountain Home
    4. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College
    5. Arkansas Northeastern College
    6. East Arkansas Community College
    7. Ozarka College
    8. National Park College
    9. South Arkansas Community College
    10. Arkansas State University Three Rivers
    1. University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton 100%
    1. Southeast Arkansas College 9 to 1
    2. Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas 10 to 1
    3. Arkansas State University-Newport 11 to 1
    4. Southern Arkansas University Tech 11 to 1
    5. East Arkansas Community College 11 to 1
    6. Arkansas State University Mid-South 11 to 1
    7. North Arkansas College 12 to 1
    8. Arkansas State University Three Rivers 12 to 1
    9. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana 12 to 1
    10. South Arkansas Community College 13 to 1
    1. University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville $2,256
    2. South Arkansas Community College $2,328
    3. Arkansas Northeastern College $2,352
    4. University of Arkansas Rich Mountain $2,376
    5. Arkansas State University-Newport $2,400
    6. Black River Technical College $2,448
    7. Arkansas State University–Mountain Home $2,472
    8. Arkansas State University Three Rivers $2,496
    9. Arkansas State University-Beebe $2,544
    10. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana $2,550

      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

      Arkansas's Best Community Colleges Badge
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      We’ve identified 22 community colleges in Arkansas. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in Arkansas.

      If you’re interested in an online associate degree, visit our best online associate degrees in Arkansas page.

      Best Community Colleges in Arkansas

      1. Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Graduation

        25%

        Student body

        10K

        Career Outlook for degree at Northwest Arkansas Community College

        Cost of Degree: $4,450
        Starting Salary: $37,100
        What is Northwest Arkansas Community College known for?

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

      2. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        62%

        Student body

        1K

        Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville

        Cost of Degree: $3,126
        Starting Salary: $30,300
        What is University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville known for?

        University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      3. #3

        North Arkansas College

        Harrison , AR

        Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        32%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at North Arkansas College

        Cost of Degree: $3,408
        Expenses: $14,331
        Starting Salary: $28,900
        Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
        Paid back at 15% of annual salary
        What is North Arkansas College known for?

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

      4. Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Acceptance

        100%

        Graduation

        36%

        Student body

        3K

        Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton

        Cost of Degree: $3,576
        Starting Salary: $31,600
        What is University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton known for?

        University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      5. Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Graduation

        46%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at Cossatot Community College

        Cost of Degree: $4,100
        Starting Salary: $28,000
        What is Cossatot Community College known for?

        Cossatot Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      6. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        47%

        Student body

        4K

        What is Arkansas State University-Newport known for?

        Arkansas State University-Newport’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      7. #7

        National Park College

        Hot Springs , AR

        Tuition + fees

        $6K

        Graduation

        26%

        Student body

        3K

        Career Outlook for degree at National Park College

        Cost of Degree: $5,650
        Expenses: $11,974
        Starting Salary: $28,100
        Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
        Paid back at 15% of annual salary
        What is National Park College known for?

        National Park College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      8. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        38%

        Student body

        4K

        Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas State University-Beebe

        Cost of Degree: $3,024
        Expenses: $13,958
        Starting Salary: $32,900
        Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
        Paid back at 15% of annual salary
        What is Arkansas State University-Beebe known for?

        Arkansas State University-Beebe’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      9. Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Graduation

        24%

        Student body

        1K

        Career Outlook for degree at Southeast Arkansas College

        Cost of Degree: $4,200
        Starting Salary: $29,700
        What is Southeast Arkansas College known for?

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

      10. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        43%

        Student body

        1K

        Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas State University Mid-South

        Cost of Degree: $3,346
        Starting Salary: $26,700
        What is Arkansas State University Mid-South known for?

        Arkansas State University Mid-South’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      11. Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Graduation

        34%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at Black River Technical College

        Cost of Degree: $4,440
        Starting Salary: $29,100
        What is Black River Technical College known for?

        Black River Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      12. Tuition + fees

        $5K

        Graduation

        63%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at Southern Arkansas University Tech

        Cost of Degree: $4,830
        Expenses: $12,252
        Starting Salary: $31,200
        Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
        Paid back at 15% of annual salary
        What is Southern Arkansas University Tech known for?

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

      13. #13

        Ozarka College

        Melbourne , AR

        Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Graduation

        47%

        Student body

        1K

        Career Outlook for degree at Ozarka College

        Cost of Degree: $3,820
        Expenses: $12,340
        Starting Salary: $28,100
        Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
        Paid back at 15% of annual salary
        What is Ozarka College known for?

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

      14. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        28%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at South Arkansas Community College

        Cost of Degree: $3,324
        Starting Salary: $32,700
        What is South Arkansas Community College known for?

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

      15. Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Graduation

        46%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

        Cost of Degree: $3,500
        Starting Salary: $26,200
        What is Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas known for?

        Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      16. Tuition + fees

        $6K

        Graduation

        23%

        Student body

        6K

        Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College

        Cost of Degree: $5,820
        Starting Salary: $30,700
        What is University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College known for?

        University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      17. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        42%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas Northeastern College

        Cost of Degree: $2,822
        Starting Salary: $30,800
        What is Arkansas Northeastern College known for?

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

      18. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        41%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at East Arkansas Community College

        Cost of Degree: $3,120
        Starting Salary: $26,800
        What is East Arkansas Community College known for?

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

      19. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        36%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas State University Three Rivers

        Cost of Degree: $3,356
        Starting Salary: $31,000
        What is Arkansas State University Three Rivers known for?

        Arkansas State University Three Rivers’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      20. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        28%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas State University–Mountain Home

        Cost of Degree: $3,024
        Starting Salary: $36,600
        What is Arkansas State University–Mountain Home known for?

        Arkansas State University–Mountain Home’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      21. Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Graduation

        57%

        Student body

        <1K

        Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas Rich Mountain

        Cost of Degree: $3,720
        Expenses: $13,921
        Starting Salary: $24,100
        Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
        Paid back at 15% of annual salary
        What is University of Arkansas Rich Mountain known for?

        University of Arkansas Rich Mountain’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      22. Tuition + fees

        $4K

        Graduation

        42%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

        Cost of Degree: $3,580
        Starting Salary: $28,600
        What is University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana known for?

        University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      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. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College
      2. Southeast Arkansas College
      3. South Arkansas Community College
      4. Black River Technical College
      5. Northwest Arkansas Community College
      6. University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
      7. Cossatot Community College
      8. University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
      9. Southern Arkansas University
      10. Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
      11. National Park College
      12. Arkansas State University Mid-South
      13. Arkansas State University-Newport
      14. North Arkansas College
      15. East Arkansas Community College
      16. Arkansas State University–Mountain Home
      17. Ozarka College
      18. Arkansas State University-Beebe
      19. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
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