Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024

Badge for BEST IN ARKANSAS LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Arkansas offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas

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  1. Hendrix College
  2. Arkansas Tech University
  3. John Brown University
  4. Henderson State University
  5. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  6. Ouachita Baptist University
  7. Southern Arkansas University
  8. University of Arkansas at Monticello
  9. Philander Smith University
  10. Lyon College
  1. Hendrix College
  2. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  3. Henderson State University
  4. John Brown University
  5. University of Arkansas at Monticello
  6. Philander Smith University
  7. Arkansas Tech University
  8. Southern Arkansas University
  9. Ouachita Baptist University
  10. Arkansas Baptist College
  1. Arkansas Tech University 94%
  2. Ouachita Baptist University 72%
  3. Henderson State University 71%
  4. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 69%
  5. Southern Arkansas University 64%
  6. Central Baptist College 64%
  7. University of the Ozarks 60%
  8. Lyon College 60%
  9. Hendrix College 60%
  10. Williams Baptist University 59%
  1. University of Arkansas Grantham 33 to 1
  2. Arkansas Baptist College 23 to 1
  3. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith 19 to 1
  4. Arkansas Tech University 18 to 1
  5. Williams Baptist University 16 to 1
  6. Henderson State University 16 to 1
  7. Southern Arkansas University 15 to 1
  8. John Brown University 15 to 1
  9. University of the Ozarks 14 to 1
  10. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 13 to 1
  1. Hendrix College $35,100
  2. Ouachita Baptist University $31,180
  3. Lyon College $31,000
  4. John Brown University $29,720
  5. University of the Ozarks $25,950
  6. Williams Baptist University $19,450
  7. Central Baptist College $17,700
  8. Crowley's Ridge College $15,000
  9. Philander Smith University $13,014
  10. Arkansas Baptist College $8,760
  1. Hendrix College $34,750
  2. John Brown University $13,920
  3. Ouachita Baptist University $13,500
  4. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $7,092
  5. University of Arkansas at Monticello $6,744
  6. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,712
  7. Henderson State University $5,670
  8. Arkansas Tech University $5,481
  9. Southern Arkansas University $5,472
  10. University of Arkansas Grantham $4,200
  1. University of Arkansas Grantham
  2. Williams Baptist University
  3. Central Baptist College
  4. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
  5. Arkansas Baptist College
  6. University of the Ozarks
  7. Crowley's Ridge College
  8. Lyon College
  9. Philander Smith University
  10. University of Arkansas at Monticello
  1. Williams Baptist University
  2. University of Arkansas Grantham
  3. Central Baptist College
  4. Crowley's Ridge College
  5. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
  6. University of the Ozarks
  7. Lyon College
  8. Arkansas Baptist College
  9. Ouachita Baptist University
  10. Southern Arkansas University
  1. John Brown University 57%
  2. Williams Baptist University 59%
  3. Hendrix College 60%
  4. Lyon College 60%
  5. University of the Ozarks 60%
  6. Central Baptist College 64%
  7. Southern Arkansas University 64%
  8. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 69%
  9. Henderson State University 71%
  10. Ouachita Baptist University 72%
  1. Crowley's Ridge College 9 to 1
  2. Lyon College 9 to 1
  3. Central Baptist College 10 to 1
  4. Hendrix College 11 to 1
  5. Philander Smith University 11 to 1
  6. University of Arkansas at Monticello 12 to 1
  7. Ouachita Baptist University 12 to 1
  8. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 13 to 1
  9. University of the Ozarks 14 to 1
  10. Southern Arkansas University 15 to 1
  1. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $4,200
  2. University of Arkansas at Monticello $5,091
  3. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,640
  4. Arkansas Tech University $5,820
  5. Henderson State University $5,880
  6. Southern Arkansas University $7,020
  7. University of Arkansas Grantham $8,280
  8. Arkansas Baptist College $8,760
  9. Philander Smith University $13,014
  10. Crowley's Ridge College $15,000
  1. University of Arkansas Grantham $4,200
  2. Southern Arkansas University $5,472
  3. Arkansas Tech University $5,481
  4. Henderson State University $5,670
  5. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,712
  6. University of Arkansas at Monticello $6,744
  7. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $7,092
  8. Ouachita Baptist University $13,500
  9. John Brown University $13,920
  10. Hendrix College $34,750

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Arkansas's Best Liberal Arts Colleges Badge
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A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 17 liberal arts colleges in Arkansas. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Arkansas, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2023

  1. #2

    Arkansas Tech University

    Russellville , AR
    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: $8,071
    Expenses: $14,130
    Starting Salary: $38,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Agriculture Business
    • Child Development
    • Inter-College
    • Public Relations
    • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
    • Criminal Justice
    • Agriculture Business
    • Public Relations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Child Development
    • Inter-College
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management And Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BFA in Creative Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Professional 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
  2. #3

    John Brown University

    Siloam Springs , AR

    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: $29,720
    Expenses: $13,540
    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

  3. #4

    Henderson State University

    Arkadelphia , AR
    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: $7,560
    Expenses: $19,534
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. 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: $8,574
    Expenses: $13,776
    Starting Salary: $30,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

  5. #6

    Ouachita Baptist University

    Arkadelphia , AR
    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: $31,180
    Expenses: $14,150
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  6. 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: $9,580
    Expenses: $15,765
    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
  7. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas at Monticello

    Cost of Degree: $8,431
    Expenses: $13,342
    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

  8. #9

    Philander Smith University

    Little Rock , AR

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Philander Smith University

    Cost of Degree: $13,014
    Expenses: $13,198
    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

  9. #10

    Lyon College

    Batesville , AR

    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

  10. #11

    Crowley's Ridge College

    Paragould , AR

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Crowley's Ridge College

    Cost of Degree: $15,600
    Expenses: $11,680
    Starting Salary: $29,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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:

  11. #12

    University of the Ozarks

    Clarksville , AR

    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

  12. #13

    Arkansas Baptist College

    Little Rock , AR

    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

  13. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith

    Cost of Degree: $6,418
    Expenses: $15,576
    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
  14. 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: $17,700
    Expenses: $11,696
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

  15. #16

    Williams Baptist University

    Walnut Ridge , AR

    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: $19,450
    Expenses: $13,340
    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:

  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    9K

    What is University of Arkansas Grantham known for?

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

    University of Arkansas Grantham’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electronics Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Strategic Communications
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing- Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Arkansas’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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. Hendrix College
  2. Lyon College
  3. Ouachita Baptist University
  4. John Brown University
  5. Henderson State University
  6. Philander Smith University
  7. Southern Arkansas University
  8. University of the Ozarks
  9. Williams Baptist University
  10. Arkansas Tech University

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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