Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2025

Badge for BEST IN ARKANSAS SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Small colleges in Arkansas are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

  • The best small colleges in Arkansas often foster a culture of community involvement, encouraging students to participate in local service projects and internships that enhance their educational experience and benefit the surrounding area.
  • The best small colleges in Arkansas provide specialized majors not commonly found elsewhere, such as art conservation, offering students the chance to pursue niche fields of study.
  • Many of the institutions in our ranking emphasize experiential learning and professional development.

10 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas in 2025

  1. Hendrix College
  2. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
    +3
  3. Harding University
    –1
  4. Henderson State University
  5. John Brown University
    –2
  6. University of Arkansas at Monticello
    +2
  7. Southern Arkansas University
  8. Ouachita Baptist University
    –2
  9. Philander Smith University
  10. Arkansas Baptist College
    +3

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.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best small colleges in Arkansas saw a considerable amount of shuffling. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff gained the second ranking position as the university is implementing several enhancements to enrich the student experience. The university is advancing its Campus Master Plan, focusing on modernizing facilities and infrastructure to support academic excellence and student success. This includes creating new spaces that invigorate the learning and living environment.

Additionally, UAPB’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) band has secured a spot in the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands, showcasing the university’s vibrant campus life and commitment to excellence in the arts. These developments demonstrate UAPB’s dedication to providing a dynamic and supportive environment for its students.

The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Arkansas is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 16 small colleges in Arkansas. The list below of the best small colleges in Arkansas. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

Best Small Colleges in Arkansas

  2. #2

    University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

    Pine Bluff , AR
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Public 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

    Compare school
  3. #3

    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

    Harding University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Bible And Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Henderson State University

    Arkadelphia , AR
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 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: $7,572
    Expenses: $20,956
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Henderson State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    John Brown University

    Siloam Springs , AR
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #9 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: $30,832
    Expenses: $13,878
    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

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Arkansas at Monticello

    Monticello , AR
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #10 Best 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: $8,868
    Expenses: $14,230
    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

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Southern Arkansas University

    Magnolia , AR
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Most Affordable 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: $9,820
    Expenses: $15,820
    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Ouachita Baptist University

    Arkadelphia , AR
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #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: $32,480
    Expenses: $15,018
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Philander Smith University

    Little Rock , AR
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #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: $13,014
    Expenses: $15,512
    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

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Arkansas Baptist College

    Little Rock , AR
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    8%

    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

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Lyon College

    Batesville , AR
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lyon College

    Cost of Degree: $31,000
    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

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of the Ozarks

    Clarksville , AR
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024

    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: $25,950
    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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of Arkansas–Fort Smith

    Fort Smith , AR
    #10 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith

    Cost of Degree: $6,906
    Expenses: $16,231
    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
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Crowley's Ridge College

    Paragould , AR
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Crowley's Ridge College

    Cost of Degree: $16,440
    Expenses: $12,687
    Starting Salary: $29,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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:

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Central Baptist College

    Conway , AR
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024

    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: $19,680
    Expenses: $13,042
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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:

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Williams Baptist University

    Walnut Ridge , AR
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025

    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: $20,330
    Expenses: $13,540
    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:

    Compare school
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Arkansas’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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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.

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

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Arizona and Washington.

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