The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is one of the top 30 higher education institutions in the state. It is a private, residential,
Credit: Boogich | E+ | Getty Images
CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Credit: Boogich | E+ | Getty Images
Arkansas is home to dozens of renowned universities and colleges that graduate an impressive number of successful students across industries, from healthcare and technology to education, government, and non-profit.
Reasons for this are multitude, but primarily anchored in the state's commitment to student development.
In the last few years alone, Arkansas has allocated over $714 million annually to the state's higher education system. It also recently passed legislation to assist with student transfer credits and to add an additional 7 million in scholarship aid. Additionally, Arkansas residents as well as non-residents have the opportunity to participate in the unique Arkansas 529 plan, a state-wide operation that helps parents and grandparents save money for their students' academic futures.
Finally, in the next few years Arkansas students will see a dramatic change in higher education by way of the Closing the Gap 2020 program, a plan that seeks to increase the post-secondary education rate in the state. The Top Online Programs in Arkansas will play a role as well in the increasing digital age we're living in. With these initiatives and more, it is projected that college graduation rates will rise 10 percent, enrollment of adult students (ages 25-54) will rise by 75 percent, the attainment rates of undeserved student groups will rise 10 percent, and 25 percent of state scholarship funds will go directly to need-based programs. These state-issued commitments to accessible and affordable education that prepares students to be successful leaders in their communities makes Arkansas a great place to earn a degree.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
Best Colleges and Universities in Arkansas
Whether they are large research institutions with several campuses and facilities, or small, intimate liberal arts colleges, the following schools all share one thing in common: they're the best in the state. We've collected substantive data from schools across the state to arrive at a definitive list of Arkansas' best colleges and universities. We looked at the rates of student retention and tuition costs, the opportunities for student involvement and advancement, as well as the academic reputation of each university, college, and tech school to present you with those schools that will simultaneously give you the best academic and professional development experience at an affordable, accessible rate. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, Arkansas Department of Higher Education, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
These rankings include
CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
The University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Arkansas meets the needs of a wide variety of different people through its 234 programs. The school operates a main campus in Fayetteville and also counts 8,109 distance learners among its student body. Degree-seekers benefit from a large number of programs that prepare them for diverse career paths.
Tuition rates vary depending on the program enrollment and degree level. Students use scholarships and grants to lower the total cost of their degree. Many of the school's programs also accept transfer credits, allowing learners to save money and time on their degree.
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Hendrix College
Conway, AR
4 years
Campus
Hendrix College meets the needs of diverse individuals by offering 31 programs. Currently, students can enroll in online programs at the school, which operates a main campus in Conway. Learners benefit from diverse programs that meet unique career goals.
Tuition rates vary depending on the degree type and enrollment option. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid lower the net cost of a college degree. The school's transfer credit policy allows those with prior college experience to receive credit for their learning.
Lyon College grants degrees in 21 subject areas, appealing to a wide variety of degree-seekers. The Batesville campus operates in-person classes, and learners can also join enrollees taking online classes. With many options, students can find a program to meet their educational goals.
Tuition varies depending on the degree level and enrollment option. Enrollees use financial aid to lower the cost of their degree. Degree-seekers with prior college experience can also apply transfer credits toward their program.
Ouachita Baptist University meets the needs of diverse students by offering 74 programs. The school operates a main campus in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and also counts 168 distance learners among its student body. Degree-seekers benefit from a large number of programs that prepare them for diverse career paths.
Tuition varies depending on the program and enrollment option. Enrollees cover their educational expenses with scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Those with prior college experience can use transfer credits to fulfill graduation requirements.
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock welcomes degree-seekers to 155 programs in popular fields. Currently, 5,209 students enroll in online programs at the school. Learners can find a program to reach their professional goals.
Tuition varies by student location and degree type. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid help enrollees afford their college degree. Those with prior college experience can save time and money by meeting graduation requirements with transfer credits.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock at a Glance:
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
Jonesboro, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
At Arkansas State University, degree-seekers select from 198 subject areas for their program. The Jonesboro campus offers many program options, with additional online programs that enroll 7,939 remote learners. Students can find many options that fit their interests, schedule, and career goals.
Tuition varies by student location and degree type. Enrollees can qualify for loans, scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. The school's transfer credit policy allows those with prior college experience to receive credit for their learning.
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
Henderson State University welcomes degree-seekers to 88 programs in popular fields. The Arkadelphia campus offers in-person classes, while 2,028 distance learners choose to attend class online. Students will find options here to prepare for many career opportunities.
The school's tuition rate varies depending on the degree level and enrollment option. Enrollees cover their educational expenses with scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Many of the school's programs also accept transfer credits, allowing degree-seekers to save money and time on their degree.
Henderson State University at a Glance:
Undergraduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $6,930
Undergraduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $8,640
Graduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $5,058
Graduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $6,318
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 99%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded per Student: $8,486
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$8,640
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,058
Out-of-state
$6,318
Retention Rate
62%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
4,037
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Southern Arkansas University-Main Campus
Magnolia, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
Southern Arkansas University offers 60 programs in diverse academic fields. Today, 2,498 learners enroll in online classes at the school, while more choose in-person options on the Magnolia, Arkansas, campus. Students prepare for diverse career paths in the school's many programs.
The school varies tuition based on degree level and type. Enrollees may qualify for financial aid, including scholarships and grants, to lower their educational expenses. The school's generous transfer credit policy also makes it easier for degree-seekers to complete a program.
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR
4 years
Campus
At the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, degree-seekers enroll in 51 programs with online and on-campus formats. Currently, 1,604 students enroll in online programs at the school. Learners can find a program that fits their budget, schedule, and career goals.
Tuition varies by student location and degree type. Enrollees may qualify for federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant, at the accredited institution. Those with prior college experience can save time and money by meeting graduation requirements with transfer credits.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at a Glance:
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Central Baptist College
Conway, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
Central Baptist College welcomes degree-seekers to 35 programs in popular fields. The Conway campus offers in-person classes, while 248 distance learners choose to attend class online. Students benefit from diverse programs that meet unique career goals.
Tuition rates vary depending on the degree type and enrollment option. Scholarships and grants help enrollees lower the cost of the degree. Many of the school's programs also accept transfer credits, allowing degree-seekers to save money and time on their degree.
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#11 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
Arkansas Tech University offers a wide variety of options for people from all walks of life, with 168 total programs. The school enrolls students on its Russellville campus and also welcomes 5,885 distance learners to the student body. Degree-seekers benefit from diverse programs that meet unique career goals.
Tuition varies depending on the degree level and enrollment option. Enrollees cover their educational expenses with scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Those with prior college experience can also submit a transcript for a transfer credit evaluation.
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#12 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Central Arkansas grants degrees in 129 subject areas, appealing to a wide variety of degree-seekers. Today, 4,563 learners enroll in online classes at the school, while more choose in-person options on the Conway campus. Students can find a program that matches their unique interests and career goals.
The school's tuition rate varies depending on the enrollment option and degree level. Enrollees may qualify for federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant, at the accredited institution. The school's transfer credit policy allows those with prior college experience to receive credit for their learning.
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#13 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Harding University
Searcy, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
At Harding University, degree-seekers choose from 129 programs. The Searcy, Arkansas, campus offers many programs, as does the school's online division, which adds 574 learners to the student body. Interested applicants can find a program that matches their unique interests and career goals.
Tuition rates vary depending on the degree type and enrollment option. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid make the degree more affordable. The school's generous transfer credit policy also makes it easier for students to complete a program.
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#14 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
University of the Ozarks
Clarksville, AR
4 years
Campus
Degree-seekers choose from 30 program options at University of the Ozarks. The Clarksville campus offers in-person classes, and the school also welcomes distance learners to its online programs. Students benefit from diverse programs that meet their unique career goals.
Tuition rates vary depending on the number of credits and degree level. Scholarships and grants help enrollees lower the cost of the degree. Those with prior college experience can use transfer credits to meet graduation requirements.
John Brown University meets the needs of a wide variety of different degree-seekers through its 65 programs. The school offers classes on its Siloam Springs, Arkansas, campus and online, with 771 learners choosing an online format. With many options, students can find a program to fit their unique interests and career goals.
Tuition varies depending on enrollees' circumstances. Scholarships and grants help learners lower the cost of the degree. A generous transfer credit policy helps those with prior college experience meet graduation requirements.
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#16 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith enrolls degree-seekers in 76 programs in popular subjects. Currently, 3,417 students enroll in online programs at the school, which operates a main campus in Fort Smith, Arkansas. With many options, learners can choose a program that best fits their professional goals.
Tuition varies depending on the degree level and enrollment option. Enrollees cover the cost of tuition with loans, scholarships, and grants. Those with prior college experience can save time and money by meeting graduation requirements with transfer credits.
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith at a Glance:
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#17 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
The University of Arkansas at Monticello
Monticello, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
Degree-seekers enroll in 75 subject areas at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The school's campus offers many programs, as does the online division, which adds 1,409 learners to the student body. Students benefit from a large number of programs that prepare them for diverse career paths.
The school's tuition rate varies depending on the enrollment option and degree level. Enrollees cover the cost of tuition with loans, scholarships, and grants. Those with prior college experience can save time and money by meeting graduation requirements with transfer credits.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello at a Glance:
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#18 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Philander Smith College
Little Rock, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
Philander Smith College offers 16 programs in diverse academic fields. The campus is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, although 880 enrollees study remotely through its online programs. With many options, students can find a program to meet their educational goals.
Tuition varies depending on the location and degree type. Learners cover the cost of tuition with loans, scholarships, and grants. The school's generous transfer credit policy also makes it easier for degree-seekers to complete a program.
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#19 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
Arkansas Baptist College
Little Rock, AR
4 years
Campus
Arkansas Baptist College offers 15 programs in diverse academic fields. Currently, students enroll in online programs at the school, which operates a main campus in Little Rock, Arkansas. With many options, degree-seekers can find a program to fit their unique interests and career goals.
Tuition varies depending on the degree level and enrollment option. Scholarships and grants help learners lower the cost of the degree. A generous transfer credit policy helps those with prior college experience meet graduation requirements.
Arkansas Baptist College at a Glance:
Undergraduate Yearly Tuition In-State: $8,760
Undergraduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: $8,760
Graduate Yearly Tuition In-State: Unknown
Graduate Yearly Tuition Out-of-State: Unknown
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 100%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,760
Out-of-state
$8,760
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
36%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
531
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#20 Best Online Colleges In Arkansas
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, AR
4 years
Online + Campus
Degree-seekers choose from 64 program options at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The school operates a main campus in Little Rock, Arkansas and also counts 916 distance learners among its student body. With many options, students can find a program to meet their educational goals.
Tuition varies by student location and degree type. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid lower the net cost of a college degree. The school's transfer credit policy allows degree-seekers to meet graduation requirements with prior college experience.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at a glance: