Best Colleges in Arkansas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in August 2019 Arkansas had an unemployment rate of 3.9%, a record low for the year. Of the state’s top eight career fields, three – office and administrative support, education, and management – boast average salaries that exceed the statewide average for all occupations. Earning a bachelor’s degree can be instrumental in working toward a high-paying position, though some career paths require a master’s.
Finding the right school for you can be challenging. To aid in your decision-making process, we’ve compiled a ranking that highlights Arkansas’s top 20 colleges and universities. The following institutions offer excellent programs, valuable student support services, and affordable tuition rates. This article also highlights schools’ online learning options, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Use the embedded links to visit each school’s website to learn more. There, you can find contact information for counselors who can answer any questions you may have.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Ranking Accredited Colleges in Arkansas
- In-State$7,666
- Out-of-state$25,420
- In-State$7,875
- Out-of-state$21,420
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled30,936
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$6,888
- Out-of-state$12,744
- In-State$6,282
- Out-of-state$11,520
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled13,024
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$28,424
- Out-of-state$28,424
- In-State$13,920
- Out-of-state$13,920
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled2,326
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$30,500
- Out-of-state$30,500
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled1,784
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,728
- Out-of-state$13,740
- In-State$5,133
- Out-of-state$10,265
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled9,913
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,495
- Out-of-state$18,750
- In-State$5,760
- Out-of-state$13,050
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled8,197
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$34,750
- Out-of-state$34,750
- In-State$34,750
- Out-of-state$34,750
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,142
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$5,820
- Out-of-state$11,640
- In-State$5,481
- Out-of-state$10,962
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,445
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$29,900
- Out-of-state$29,900
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled496
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment3%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
- Magnolia, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,020
- Out-of-state$12,450
- In-State$3,516
- Out-of-state$5,508
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled5,094
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Explore More College Resources
How to Choose Your College Class Schedule
Learn how to create the best class schedule each semester by considering important academic and nonacademic factors.
by Steve Bailey
Updated March 22, 2023
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?
Discover the challenges and opportunities full-time vs. part-time students face and get tips on which college experience is right for you.
by Marisa Upson
Updated October 12, 2023
Summer Semester: When Does It Start? And Should You Enroll?
School’s out — or, rather, in — for summer. Discover the pros and cons of enrolling in an optional summer semester in college.
by Anne Dennon
Updated March 20, 2023