Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

Find the best online colleges in Arkansas by rating each school based on three characteristics: excellence, student satisfaction, and return on investment.
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Updated January 19, 2023

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From the wild beauty of the Ozarks, to the flowing serenity of the Buffalo National River, to the haunting stillness of the White River, it’s easy to see why Arkansas is called The Natural State.

You can spend a long time exploring the natural beauty of the state. And it has history too, from its early years inhabited by Native Americans, evidenced by the state’s looming ancient burial grounds, to the territorial and Civil War years, and to its recent history as home to President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. There’s a lot you don’t want to miss here.

Which makes recommending a college or university in Arkansas pretty easy. The state has so much to commend itself, and many of the schools operate at a very high level. Luckily, if you’re working and trying to finish a degree, or for some other reason you don’t want to bother with living on-campus or commuting to class, then online degrees at these schools can make your dream of a degree possible. Online learning is revolutionizing higher education, and it’s opening up access to many more people. See the best online degrees we have that may fit your needs. Of course, we don’t want you to miss out on The Natural State’s natural beauty, so don’t use online classes as an excuse to stay indoors all the time.

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What are the best online colleges in Arkansas?

If you’re someone who could benefit from an online degree program – or even just taking some online classes – then this is the list for you. We’ve compiled a ranking of the best online programs in Arkansas by rating each school based on three characteristics: excellence, student satisfaction, and return on investment. Each of these criteria is based on data from IPEDS, U.S. News & World Report, Payscale, individual college websites, and student ranking websites.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

John Brown University

  • Siloam Springs, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students from all walks of life can benefit from John Brown University's flexible online programs. Presently, the institution reaches 771 distance learners across the globe.

The school supports four remote bachelor's programs and five remote master's programs. Enrollees join a supportive online learning community where they connect with classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom setting. Students complete foundational and advanced classes relevant to their field of interest. Degree-seekers can pursue experiential learning opportunities, like internships, to deepen their knowledge. Throughout their studies, degree candidates can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.

Prospective students can schedule an appointment with the admissions office to inquire about degree requirements and application materials. The college makes internal and external funding opportunities available to learners, with 99% of all enrollees receiving aid. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,458
Out-of-state
$26,458
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,400
Out-of-state
$14,400
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
2,319
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

University of Arkansas

  • Fayetteville, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

University of Arkansas is a wise choice for students seeking flexible online study. Distance learners can connect with 8,109 online students across numerous online programs.

The school offers five bachelor's degrees and 19 master's degrees. These programs connect degree candidates with classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom setting. Learners gain knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their field through classes, internships, and other learning opportunities. Degree-seekers can connect with academic advising, career services, and other resources throughout their studies.

Prospective applicants can schedule an appointment with the admissions office to inquire about degree requirements and application materials. Eligible students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid toward their learning expenses. Approximately 76% of all enrollees receive financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,568
Out-of-state
$24,056
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,752
Out-of-state
$21,032
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
27,559
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
29% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas State University-Main Campus

  • Jonesboro, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Arkansas State University-Main Campus, a public college, supports flexible online learning opportunities for students worldwide. Degree-seekers can choose from one of 42 online programs and join the school's 7,939-person online learning community.

A leader in online education, the college offers numerous online bachelor’s and master’s programs. Students connect with faculty and staff through a virtual classroom environment, while learning alongside classmates and attending remote lectures. Enrollees complete foundational and advanced classes relevant to their field of interest. Degree-seekers can pursue experiential learning opportunities, like internships, to deepen their knowledge. The college can connect enrollees with academic advising, career services, and other learning resources.

To discuss admission requirements, degree eligibility, and other information, prospective students should meet with the admissions office. Qualifying students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards to offset degree costs. The college reports that 97% of the student body receives financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,540
Out-of-state
$13,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,986
Out-of-state
$9,972
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
13,356
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas

  • Conway, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students seeking a premier distance learning education should consider University of Central Arkansas. The college supports 4,563 distance learners across several online programs.

The institution supports two remote bachelor's programs and 10 remote master's programs. Students attend lectures and complete coursework through a virtual classroom environment, alongside classmates and faculty. Degree-seekers can individualize their studies through course electives, degree minors, and experiential learning opportunities like internships. Learners can receive guidance throughout their studies by connecting with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.

Prospective applicants should meet with the admissions office to discuss application materials and admission requirements. Eligible students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid toward tuition and other educational expenses. About 98% of all incoming enrollees receive financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,810
Out-of-state
$13,620
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,018
Out-of-state
$10,037
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
10,869
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas Tech University

  • Russellville, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Arkansas Tech University is a public college, supporting online degrees from its main campus in Russellville. Students can choose from one of numerous remote undergraduate and graduate degrees.

A leader in online education, the college offers five online bachelor’s programs and nine online master’s programs. Students connect with faculty and staff through a virtual classroom environment, while learning alongside classmates and attending remote lectures. Degree-seekers benefit from a well-rounded education, completing foundational and advanced classes. Degree candidates can also access institutional resources such as career services and academic advising, to receive academic and career guidance.

Interested applicants can schedule a meeting with the Office of Admissions to discuss application materials, admission requirements, and other information. Eligible students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid toward tuition and other educational expenses. According to the institution, 96% of all incoming enrollees receive some form of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,568
Out-of-state
$11,136
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,256
Out-of-state
$10,512
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
11,829
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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