Arkansas colleges and universities are among some of the finest in the nation. The Universities are top notch, covering a wide range of majors that can suit most any career type. You can attend a top business school, prepare for a brilliant career in psychology, or launch a path in the engineering world that is as exciting as it is productive. The University of Arkansas and State University systems offer campuses for four-year degrees, as well as smaller community colleges for an associate. No matter how you get started, an accredited Arkansas school will make sure you finish in top form.
Some of the best colleges and universities are in Arkansas. Arkansas is home to two excellent university systems. The University of Arkansas system includes six full university campuses, two law schools, a medical school, and seven community colleges. Arkansas State has approximately 10 campuses in the state and one in Querétaro, Mexico. Arkansas is also home to approximately 12 private colleges that have strong religious affiliations.
While there are a variety of on-campus academic opportunities, Arkansas also offers plenty of online degree programs. If you are busy with school or family, you can still take courses that lead to a degree and a bright future.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree?
The potential earnings for someone with a degree in Arkansas can vary widely depending on the field of study, level of degree, and career path. On average, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Arkansas earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma. According to labor market data, a bachelor’s degree holder in Arkansas can earn an average salary of $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on the industry. Fields such as healthcare, engineering, and technology tend to offer higher salaries, with potential earnings exceeding $80,000 or more for experienced professionals. Advanced degrees like master's or doctorates can lead to even higher earning potential, especially in specialized areas such as law, medicine, or academia. Local economic factors and cost of living in Arkansas also make these salaries relatively competitive.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Featured Online Programs
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Arkansas
Arkansas has seen dramatic improvements in employment since the pandemic of 2020. In fact, while the state's unemployment numbers track with the national average, Arkansas consistently posts lower unemployment numbers. With that said, Arkansas still tracks behind national averages when it comes to non-farm employment. While the state's numbers show a general upwards trend and getting back to close pre-pandemic unemployment rates according to the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics and is currently around 4.2%.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Accounting | 7,440 | $51,600 |
Economist | 100 | $76,400 |
Financial Analyst | 1,900 | $61,400 |
Financial Management | 4,810 | $92,400 |
Information Technology | - | $57,900 |
Logistics | 1,520 | $51,400 |
Management | 5,750 | $61,300 |
Market Analyst | 4,630 | $56,400 |
Marketing Manager | 1,320 | $65,900 |
Public Policy Analyst | - | $59,500 |
Risk Analyst | 1,900 | $65,400 |
- Accounting
- Business
- Business Administrator
- Business Development
- Business Manager
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Management
- Hospitality Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Information Technology
- International Business Manager
- Market Analyst
- Marketing manager
- Operations Manager
- Organizational Leader
- Project Manager
- Public Policy Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Supply Chain Manager
Top Computers Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Civil Engineer | 1,400 | $67,100 |
Construction Managers | 2,160 | $77,900 |
Data Scientist | 30,810 | $96,200 |
Electrical Engineer | 960 | $76,400 |
Environmental Engineer | 100 | $66,100 |
Mechanical Engineer | 1,150 | $71,400 |
Urban Planners | 100 | $57,700 |
- Civil Engineer
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Information Technologist
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Scientist
- Cybersecurity
- Data Scientist
- Database Administrator
- Database Management
- Software Engineer
- Web Development
Top Education Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Psychology Teacher | 200 | $45,000 |
Public School Teacher | 11,940 | $50,300 |
- Early Childhood Administrator
- Early Childhood Education Teacher
- General Education Teacher
- Psychology Teacher
- Public Administrator
- Public School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Hospital Administration | 5,680 | $87,600 |
Medical Assistant | 3,850 | $34,300 |
Occupational Therapy | 1,200 | $66,600 |
Pharmacy Technician | 4,880 | $35,600 |
Physical Therapy | 1,990 | $71,500 |
Radiology Technician | 2,300 | $48,100 |
Registered Nurse | 252,210 | $65,400 |
Sociologist | 2,630 | $57,400 |
- Gerontology Nurse or Physician
- Healthcare Administrator
- Healthcare Manager
- Nurse
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Sociologist
Top Legal Careers and Salaries
Top Occupations With the Highest Forecasted Growth Rate
The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services has aggregated the professions that are predicted to add the most jobs in the years 2016-26. The healthcare sector is dominant in the list, but they also predict expansion in skilled trades, education, and legal services. Here are the top 10 Arkansas professions slated to have the most growth:
Find Online Arkansas Schools
Occupation | Projected Growth |
---|---|
Physician Assistants | 40.36% |
Personal Care Aides | 38.16% |
Nurse Practitioners | 37.14% |
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | 35.93% |
Software Developers | 35.76% |
Home Health Aides | 35.15% |
Operations Research Analysts | 34.08% |
Physical Therapist Assistants | 31.27% |
Physical Therapist Aides | 31.03% |
Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Arkansas
Southern Arkansas University Tech
Score: 81.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,685
- Out-of-State:$4,685
- Net Price: $4,153
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 943
- Undergrad Students: 943
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $50,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Arkansas Tech University
Score: 75.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,508
- Out-of-State:$14,502
- Net Price: $12,016
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 9,445
- Undergrad Students: 8,722
- Graduate Students: 723
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Score: 67.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,868
- Out-of-State:$14,718
- Net Price: $12,693
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 2,719
- Undergrad Students: 2,270
- Graduate Students: 449
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Score: 64.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,650
- Out-of-State:$5,270
- Net Price: $3,680
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,234
- Undergrad Students: 1,234
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,500
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain
Score: 61.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,864
- Out-of-State:$4,104
- Net Price: $5,929
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 679
- Undergrad Students: 679
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,900
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Arkansas Northeastern College
Score: 61.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,850
- Out-of-State:$4,250
- Net Price: $5,367
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 1,502
- Undergrad Students: 1,502
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
Score: 60.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,296
- Out-of-State:$4,746
- Net Price: $5,345
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,278
- Undergrad Students: 1,278
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $29,300
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Ozarka College
Score: 60.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,820
- Out-of-State:$6,820
- Net Price: $3,991
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 983
- Undergrad Students: 983
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $24,600
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Arkansas State University-Newport
Score: 59.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,856
- Out-of-State:$4,320
- Net Price: $9,631
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 1,592
- Undergrad Students: 1,592
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,600
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
Score: 59.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,918
- Out-of-State:$4,542
- Net Price: $9,224
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 1,008
- Undergrad Students: 1,008
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,400
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Arkansas State University Three Rivers
Score: 56.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,568
- Out-of-State:$4,168
- Net Price: $4,596
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 1,832
- Undergrad Students: 1,832
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,200
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Score: 56.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,566
- Out-of-State:$5,022
- Net Price: $6,578
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 7,593
- Undergrad Students: 7,593
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,900
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Black River Technical College
Score: 56.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,584
- Out-of-State:$7,242
- Net Price: $6,480
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 1,566
- Undergrad Students: 1,566
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,600
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
Score: 55.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,880
- Out-of-State:$4,960
- Net Price: $7,240
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 1,188
- Undergrad Students: 1,188
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
South Arkansas Community College
Score: 54.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,540
- Out-of-State:$5,364
- Net Price: $5,651
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 1,162
- Undergrad Students: 1,162
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,900
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Arkansas State University Mid-South
Score: 52.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,552
- Out-of-State:$4,560
- Net Price: $8,483
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 979
- Undergrad Students: 979
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $24,200
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
East Arkansas Community College
Score: 52.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,188
- Out-of-State:$4,980
- Net Price: $8,564
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 1,179
- Undergrad Students: 1,179
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,800
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
North Arkansas College
Score: 51.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,816
- Out-of-State:$5,544
- Net Price: $8,168
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 1,856
- Undergrad Students: 1,856
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,500
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Arkansas State University-Beebe
Score: 51.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,216
- Out-of-State:$5,040
- Net Price: $8,443
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 2,928
- Undergrad Students: 2,928
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $29,500
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Southeast Arkansas College
Score: 50.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,960
- Out-of-State:$8,260
- Net Price: $6,617
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 898
- Undergrad Students: 898
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,100
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Top 20 Best Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Score: 81.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,748
- Out-of-State:$28,772
- Net Price: $16,208
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 30,936
- Undergrad Students: 26,269
- Graduate Students: 4,667
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Harding University
Score: 81.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,888
- Out-of-State:$24,888
- Net Price: $19,558
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 4,805
- Undergrad Students: 3,523
- Graduate Students: 1,282
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Hendrix College
Score: 79.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,650
- Out-of-State:$36,650
- Net Price: $22,626
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,144
- Undergrad Students: 1,132
- Graduate Students: 12
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Score: 78.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,455
- Out-of-State:$19,210
- Net Price: $11,173
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 8,197
- Undergrad Students: 5,825
- Graduate Students: 2,372
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Arkansas State University
Score: 77.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,754
- Out-of-State:$13,826
- Net Price: $12,011
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 13,190
- Undergrad Students: 8,201
- Graduate Students: 4,989
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
John Brown University
Score: 77.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,832
- Out-of-State:$30,832
- Net Price: $20,997
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 2,326
- Undergrad Students: 1,801
- Graduate Students: 525
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Southern Arkansas University
Score: 75.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,820
- Out-of-State:$15,400
- Net Price: $14,056
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 5,094
- Undergrad Students: 3,148
- Graduate Students: 1,946
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Score: 73.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,019
- Out-of-State:$17,029
- Net Price: $9,959
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 2,387
- Undergrad Students: 2,182
- Graduate Students: 205
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Arkansas Tech University
Score: 71.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,508
- Out-of-State:$14,502
- Net Price: $12,016
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 9,445
- Undergrad Students: 8,722
- Graduate Students: 723
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Central Arkansas
Score: 69.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,118
- Out-of-State:$17,258
- Net Price: $15,456
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 9,913
- Undergrad Students: 7,994
- Graduate Students: 1,919
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Ouachita Baptist University
Score: 68.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,480
- Out-of-State:$32,480
- Net Price: $21,677
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 1,784
- Undergrad Students: 1,730
- Graduate Students: 54
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Arkansas Grantham
Score: 68.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,280
- Out-of-State:$8,280
- Net Price: $9,546
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 5,436
- Undergrad Students: 4,598
- Graduate Students: 838
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 33:1
Williams Baptist University
Score: 68.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,330
- Out-of-State:$20,330
- Net Price: $14,488
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 584
- Undergrad Students: 562
- Graduate Students: 22
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of the Ozarks
Score: 68.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,950
- Out-of-State:$25,950
- Net Price: $16,319
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 784
- Undergrad Students: 784
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Score: 68.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,906
- Out-of-State:$13,770
- Net Price: $10,705
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,379
- Undergrad Students: 5,335
- Graduate Students: 44
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Score: 67.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,868
- Out-of-State:$14,718
- Net Price: $12,693
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 2,719
- Undergrad Students: 2,270
- Graduate Students: 449
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Philander Smith University
Score: 64.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,014
- Out-of-State:$13,014
- Net Price: $15,634
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 769
- Undergrad Students: 769
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Henderson State University
Score: 64.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,885
- Out-of-State:$9,882
- Net Price: $17,656
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 2,519
- Undergrad Students: 1,807
- Graduate Students: 712
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Central Baptist College
Score: 62.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,680
- Out-of-State:$19,680
- Net Price: $18,128
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 564
- Undergrad Students: 564
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Lyon College
Score: 61.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,000
- Out-of-State:$31,000
- Net Price: $25,545
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 496
- Undergrad Students: 496
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Top 15 Best Master's Programs in Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Score: 80.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,748
- Out-of-State:$28,772
- Net Price: $16,208
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 30,936
- Undergrad Students: 26,269
- Graduate Students: 4,667
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Harding University
Score: 79.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,888
- Out-of-State:$24,888
- Net Price: $19,558
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 4,805
- Undergrad Students: 3,523
- Graduate Students: 1,282
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Score: 77.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,455
- Out-of-State:$19,210
- Net Price: $11,173
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 8,197
- Undergrad Students: 5,825
- Graduate Students: 2,372
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Arkansas State University
Score: 77.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,754
- Out-of-State:$13,826
- Net Price: $12,011
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 13,190
- Undergrad Students: 8,201
- Graduate Students: 4,989
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Hendrix College
Score: 76.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,650
- Out-of-State:$36,650
- Net Price: $22,626
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,144
- Undergrad Students: 1,132
- Graduate Students: 12
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
John Brown University
Score: 75.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,832
- Out-of-State:$30,832
- Net Price: $20,997
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 2,326
- Undergrad Students: 1,801
- Graduate Students: 525
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Southern Arkansas University
Score: 74.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,820
- Out-of-State:$15,400
- Net Price: $14,056
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 5,094
- Undergrad Students: 3,148
- Graduate Students: 1,946
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Score: 73.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,019
- Out-of-State:$17,029
- Net Price: $9,959
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 2,387
- Undergrad Students: 2,182
- Graduate Students: 205
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Arkansas Tech University
Score: 71.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,508
- Out-of-State:$14,502
- Net Price: $12,016
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 9,445
- Undergrad Students: 8,722
- Graduate Students: 723
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Arkansas Grantham
Score: 68.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,280
- Out-of-State:$8,280
- Net Price: $9,546
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 5,436
- Undergrad Students: 4,598
- Graduate Students: 838
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 33:1
University of Central Arkansas
Score: 68.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,118
- Out-of-State:$17,258
- Net Price: $15,456
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 9,913
- Undergrad Students: 7,994
- Graduate Students: 1,919
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Score: 67.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,906
- Out-of-State:$13,770
- Net Price: $10,705
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,379
- Undergrad Students: 5,335
- Graduate Students: 44
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Williams Baptist University
Score: 67.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,330
- Out-of-State:$20,330
- Net Price: $14,488
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 584
- Undergrad Students: 562
- Graduate Students: 22
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Score: 66.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,868
- Out-of-State:$14,718
- Net Price: $12,693
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 2,719
- Undergrad Students: 2,270
- Graduate Students: 449
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Henderson State University
Score: 62.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,885
- Out-of-State:$9,882
- Net Price: $17,656
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 2,519
- Undergrad Students: 1,807
- Graduate Students: 712
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Cost of Arkansas College Education & Salaries
The cost of college is a major concern for most students. While you will probably need a formal education to achieve the status and salary you desire, the up-front expenditures might seem overwhelming. While you might be able to offset your college expenses with scholarships and grants, you are almost guaranteed to graduate with debt.
Your expenses will rise if you attend a private college or an out-of-state institution. If you are tempted to attend a school outside of Arkansas, you might want to complete your first two years in-state at a university or community college. You can then transfer to complete your degree. It may be possible, however, to lower your out-of-state tuition expense by taking online courses. Every school is different, but some don't charge a premium to online out-of-state students.
When assessing your Arkansas college costs, look at the long-term personal and career satisfaction that a degree will bring. Even those courses that seem superfluous, such as composition, will one day pay off. For instance, your composition course might instill writing skills that pay off when you write cover letters for a job, and then when you prepare presentations to investors. Every dollar spent on education is a dollar well spent.
Lastly, when you are nearing graduation, look into loan deferment or forgiveness programs. Some allow you to work for a number of years in government or non-profit organizations as a means to pay off the loan. These jobs often pay a competitive market rate and will provide invaluable experience. Also consider that government jobs frequently come with significant benefits, including top-notch healthcare programs for you and your family.
Tuition Cost Analysis - In-state vs. National
Average Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
In-State Tuition - $8,391
National Average – $9,580
Out-of-State – $20,825
National Average – $27,437
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
It's no longer possible to pay for college by saving up from a summer job. In fact, the rising cost of tuition means that many students need to apply for some form of financial aid before they graduate from college. This is usually in the form of a student loan that must be repaid with interest. Thankfully, there are scholarships, grants, and fellowships available to offset your expenses without a repayment plan. In Arkansas, less than half of all students need to apply for financial aid. While your state's financial aid rates are still about 5% higher than the national average.
Financial Aid | Arkansas | Nationally |
---|---|---|
Received Federal Grants | 43% | 37.7% |
Average $ per Recipient | $9,291 | $10,927 |
Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries