Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025

Badge for BEST IN ARKANSAS GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Seven schools in Arkansas meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Arkansas’ top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Arkansas that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in Arkansas in 2025

  1. University of Arkansas
  2. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
  3. Arkansas State University
  4. University of Central Arkansas
  5. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  6. Harding University
  7. Arkansas Tech University

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

There are no changes to our ranking of the best graduate schools in Arkansas for 2025. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

college student standing outside on campus

Colleges and Universities in Arkansas

Grad schools in Arkansas are uniquely affordable, with most providing tuition rates of $10,000 or less. Indeed, students interested in online education 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.


What are Arkansas’s Colleges & Universities?

Arkansas’s Best Overall


There are 7 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Arkansas. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Arkansas is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2023

  1. #1

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,748
    Expenses: $20,260
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Arkansas known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    As a top public research university in the state of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas offers graduate programs for local and international students. Plenty of intercultural and international opportunities are available to make your college experience unique and fun.

    What we love about the University of Arkansas:

    The University of Arkansas lives with a philosophy to prioritize its students more than anything. Many mentoring opportunities highlight customized learning for all students.

    The University of Arkansas is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that prioritizes students and their learning experiences.

    The University of Arkansas might not be the best fit for students who:

    May find their tuition to be on the pricey side.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Arkansas at Little Rock

    Little Rock , AR
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

    Cost of Degree: $9,617
    Expenses: $17,401
    Starting Salary: $39,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Arkansas at Little Rock known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    If you want to attend a research university that offers flexible learning, you should enroll at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. They are proactive in contributing to the economic development and research activities in Arkansas state.

    What we love about the University of Arkansas at Little Rock:

    Most of the professors at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock are well-versed in their respective industries, giving graduate students firsthand experience. There are numerous internship opportunities, and each program allows students to brush up on their critical thinking skills.

    The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is ideal for students who:

    Want to broaden their knowledge through internships and research opportunities.

    The University of Arkansas at Little Rock might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend a bigger school.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Arkansas State University

    Jonesboro , AR
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,754
    Expenses: $18,472
    Starting Salary: $36,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arkansas State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    As the second largest university in Arkansas, Arkansas State University has been offering graduate programs for six decades now. Its main goal is to produce industry leaders who can spearhead progressing regions and the entire state.

    What we love about Arkansas State University:

    Arkansas State University partners with numerous entities and organizations to improve the state. Their community of professors, scholars, and students represents diverse groups, making the institution all-inclusive.

    Arkansas State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to enrich lives through research.

    Arkansas State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to have more school facilities.

    Compare school
    4. three college students studying together

  5. #4

    University of Central Arkansas

    Conway , AR
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $10,118
    Expenses: $15,339
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Central Arkansas known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Central Arkansas is a premier public university that focuses on student success. They’ve been renowned for their efforts in scholarly and creative studies and efforts.

    What we love about the University of Central Arkansas:

    The University of Central Arkansas is committed to academic excellence and is working on producing graduates who can respond to the needs of the public. They encourage learners to engage in professional development and offer scholarship opportunities.

    The University of Central Arkansas is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school with state-of-the-art learning spaces.

    The University of Central Arkansas might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend a school that has a more active sports organization.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

    Pine Bluff , AR
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges 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: $9,019
    Expenses: $14,312
    Starting Salary: $30,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

    Graduate studies and continuing education are offered at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. All the staff and professors help and support students to build their careers and achieve professional goals.

    What we love about the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff:

    Boasting a stellar faculty, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a supportive HBCU offering competitive graduate degree programs. They have plenty of internships, co-ops, and fellowships to complement your studies.

    The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a school that offers high-quality academics with a personal touch.

    The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend a smaller school.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Harding University

    Searcy , AR
    #18 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Harding University

    Cost of Degree: $24,888
    Expenses: $14,410
    Starting Salary: $47,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harding University known for?

    Harding University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    If you want to attend a Christian liberal arts university, you can choose Harding University. There are plenty of areas to study in graduate school. They have a diverse student body from all over the nation and in other countries.

    What we love about Harding University:

    Harding University aims to produce high-quality academic programs that simultaneously allow students to grow their faith. The atmosphere of the school comes with Christian ethics, nurturing Christian values, and spiritual development.

    Harding University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a Christian liberal arts university.

    Harding University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend a school with more extra-curricular activities.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Arkansas Tech University

    Russellville , AR
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arkansas 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,508
    Expenses: $15,186
    Starting Salary: $38,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 develops its graduate programs focusing on producing graduates who can be well-rounded professionals. The school is focused on student success, academic excellence, and making education accessible for everyone.

    What we love about Arkansas Tech University:

    When you study at Arkansas Tech University, you work alongside like-minded learners who stick to and support each other. There are many life-changing opportunities for you to grow and develop personally and professionally.

    Arkansas Tech University is ideal for students who:

    Want to join a supportive community.

    Arkansas Tech University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Drive to school as the parking space can be limited.

    Compare school
college student standing with other students
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Arkansas’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 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.

  1. University of Arkansas
  2. Arkansas State University
  3. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  4. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
  5. University of Central Arkansas
  6. Harding University
  7. Arkansas Tech University
  8. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
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