Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2024
Interested in attending a STEM school in Arkansas? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2024
- University of Arkansas
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Arkansas State University
- University of Central Arkansas
- Harding University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Arkansas State University
- University of Central Arkansas
- Harding University
- University of Central Arkansas 91%
- University of Arkansas 79%
- Arkansas State University 70%
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock 61%
- Harding University 45%
- University of Arkansas 20 to 1
- Arkansas State University 15 to 1
- Harding University 15 to 1
- University of Central Arkansas 14 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock 11 to 1
- Harding University $23,148
- University of Arkansas $7,666
- University of Central Arkansas $6,950
- Arkansas State University $6,888
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock $6,495
- Harding University $12,399
- University of Arkansas $7,875
- Arkansas State University $6,282
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock $5,760
- University of Central Arkansas $5,133
- Harding University
- University of Central Arkansas
- Arkansas State University
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- University of Arkansas
- Harding University
- University of Central Arkansas
- Arkansas State University
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- University of Arkansas
- Harding University 45%
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock 61%
- Arkansas State University 70%
- University of Arkansas 79%
- University of Central Arkansas 91%
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock 11 to 1
- University of Central Arkansas 14 to 1
- Arkansas State University 15 to 1
- Harding University 15 to 1
- University of Arkansas 20 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock $6,495
- Arkansas State University $6,888
- University of Central Arkansas $6,950
- University of Arkansas $7,666
- Harding University $23,148
- University of Central Arkansas $5,133
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock $5,760
- Arkansas State University $6,282
- University of Arkansas $7,875
- Harding University $12,399
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 research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 5 research universities in Arkansas. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2023
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arkansas 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
- #1 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Arkansas 2024
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN 2025
- #8 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
- #8 Best RN to BSN Online Programs
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2025
- #9 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #11 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #11 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #11 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #19 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #19 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
- #24 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
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: $9,748Expenses: $20,260Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas known for?
University of Arkansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Business
- Law
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
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 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs 2025
- #3 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
- #15 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
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: $9,617Expenses: $17,401Starting Salary: $39,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas at Little Rock known for?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Law
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Biology
- History
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arkansas
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arkansas 2025
- #2 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Arkansas 2024
- #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #3 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #7 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #7 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #20 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
- #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
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: $7,754Expenses: $18,472Starting Salary: $36,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Arkansas State University known for?
Arkansas State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Arkansas 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2025
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
- #23 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
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: $10,118Expenses: $15,339Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Central Arkansas known for?
University of Central Arkansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Literature
- History
- Education
- Political Science
- Communications
- Sociology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #18 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #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: $24,888Expenses: $14,410Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harding University known for?
Harding University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Business
- History
- Nursing
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Harding University’s Online Degrees
BA in Bible And Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Find the Best Research Universities in Arkansas for 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 research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.