Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2025
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
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
- #21 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2025
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
69%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
Career Outlook for degree at Hendrix College
Cost of Degree: $36,650Expenses: $18,794Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hendrix College known for?
Hendrix College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024
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: $9,019Expenses: $14,312Starting Salary: $30,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #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
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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024
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: $7,572Expenses: $20,956Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Henderson State University known for?
Henderson State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $30,832Expenses: $13,878Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is John Brown University known for?
John Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Communications
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Business
- Education
- Literature
- Biology
- Engineering
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Best Public 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: $8,868Expenses: $14,230Starting Salary: $35,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas at Monticello known for?
University of Arkansas at Monticello’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Medical
- History
- Engineering
- Education
- Communications
- Sociology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
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: $9,820Expenses: $15,820Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Arkansas University known for?
Southern Arkansas University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Business
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Education
- Engineering
- History
- Psychology
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Southern Arkansas University’s Online Degrees
BBA/MBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 150
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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
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: $32,480Expenses: $15,018Starting Salary: $46,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #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: $13,014Expenses: $15,512Starting Salary: $27,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Philander Smith University known for?
Philander Smith University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $8,760Expenses: $14,300Starting Salary: $25,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Arkansas Baptist College known for?
Arkansas Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
38%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Lyon College
Cost of Degree: $31,000Expenses: $14,750Starting Salary: $44,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lyon College known for?
Lyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Education
- History
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
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: $25,950Starting Salary: $38,600What is University of the Ozarks known for?
University of the Ozarks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Education
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Communications
- History
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
42%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
Cost of Degree: $6,906Expenses: $16,231Starting Salary: $35,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Tuition + fees
$15K
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Crowley's Ridge College
Cost of Degree: $16,440Expenses: $12,687Starting Salary: $29,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Crowley's Ridge College known for?
Crowley's Ridge College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $19,680Expenses: $13,042Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Baptist College known for?
Central Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $20,330Expenses: $13,540Starting Salary: $36,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Williams Baptist University known for?
Williams Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Arkansas’s Best Small College in 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.
- Hendrix College
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Lyon College
- Ouachita Baptist University
- John Brown University
- Henderson State University
- Philander Smith University
- Harding University
- Southern Arkansas University
- University of the Ozarks
- Crowley's Ridge College
- Williams Baptist University
- 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.
