Rankings / By State

Best Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 17 schools · Agent Insights

17

Schools Analyzed

$47,532

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

50%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$17,124

Avg. Net Price

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When choosing a bachelor's program in Arkansas, students and families are looking for more than just a name on a diploma. With 17 schools listed here, the focus is on outcomes that truly matter—like graduation rates, earnings after graduation, and student debt. For many, this decision is about setting the stage for a successful career.

The schools that stand out in this ranking have demonstrated strong performance in key areas. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from these programs is $47,532, which reflects the real-world value of their education. Graduation rates also vary significantly, with the best schools achieving rates above 70%. Understanding these factors can help prospective students make informed choices about where to invest their time and money.

Take the University of Arkansas and Hendrix College, for example. The University of Arkansas has higher earnings at $58,191 and a graduation rate of 70%, while Hendrix College offers even greater earning potential at $60,376 but comes with a higher net price of $24,149. This contrast highlights the trade-offs students face when considering their options, making it crucial to weigh all aspects carefully.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 17

Avg. earnings at 10yr $47,532

Avg. graduation rate 50%

Avg. net price $17,124

Avg. median debt $22,084

How We Ranked

Bachelor's programs in Arkansas ranked by outcomes and mobility

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR

Earnings$53,907

Net Price$20,397

View full profile →

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR

Earnings$42,617

Net Price$12,366

View full profile →

Hendrix College

Conway, AR

Earnings$60,376

Net Price$24,149

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR · 1,471 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Siloam Springs, John Brown University offers a tight-knit community with a focus on integrating faith and learning. With a small student population of just 1,471, this private nonprofit school fosters close relationships between students and faculty, which can enhance the educational experience. Graduates earn a median income of $53,907 a decade after graduation, highlighting the value of a degree from this institution.

76% accepted 69% graduate $53,907 earnings

John's full profile

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · 9,110 students · Public

Arkansas State University in Jonesboro may be smaller than some state institutions, but it offers a unique blend of academic programs and a supportive atmosphere for its 9,110 students. With a 55% graduation rate, the university is committed to improving student outcomes, and graduates earn a median income of $42,617 within ten years of finishing their degree.

82% accepted 55% graduate $42,617 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

Hendrix College

Conway, AR · 1,100 students · Private nonprofit

Hendrix College in Conway offers an intimate educational experience with only 1,100 students, promoting deep connections and active engagement in learning. The school has an impressive graduation rate of 71% and graduates earn a median income of $60,376 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the strong academic preparation provided here.

56% accepted 71% graduate $60,376 earnings

Hendrix's full profile

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · 28,677 students · Public

With nearly 28,700 students, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is a lively place that combines a strong academic environment with a vibrant campus life. The median earnings of $58,191 for graduates ten years after enrollment reflect the opportunities available in this public university, which also has a welcoming acceptance rate of 74%.

74% accepted 70% graduate $58,191 earnings

University's full profile

Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,602 students · Private nonprofit

With a strong sense of community and a commitment to academic excellence, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia has a lot to offer students looking for a supportive environment. The school serves around 1,600 students and enjoys a solid graduation rate of 66%, indicating that many students successfully complete their degrees and move on to rewarding careers.

68% accepted 66% graduate $51,673 earnings

Ouachita's full profile

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · 7,762 students · Public

Located in Conway, the University of Central Arkansas welcomes over 7,700 students to its vibrant campus. Known for its inclusive atmosphere and broad range of academic programs, UCA is a great fit for students looking for diverse opportunities and a community feel.

89% accepted 53% graduate $45,938 earnings

University's full profile

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, AR · 767 students · Private nonprofit

The University of the Ozarks in Clarksville is a small private nonprofit institution that fosters a close community of just 767 students. With a focus on personalized education, this school emphasizes student engagement and success, which can be especially appealing for those who thrive in smaller settings.

60% accepted 52% graduate $44,384 earnings

University's full profile

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR · 4,949 students · Public

Nestled in the capital city, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is an accessible public university that serves nearly 5,000 students. With a diverse range of programs and a welcoming campus, it’s designed for students eager to engage in urban life while pursuing their education.

59% accepted 42% graduate $45,265 earnings

University's full profile

Harding University

Searcy, AR · 3,382 students · Private nonprofit

Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, is home to over 3,300 students who benefit from a close-knit community and a faith-based environment. With a 70% graduation rate, many students find their path to success through a supportive network that emphasizes both academic and personal growth.

71% accepted 70% graduate $52,876 earnings

Harding's full profile

Williams Baptist University

Walnut Ridge, AR · 478 students · Private nonprofit

Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge is a smaller institution with around 478 students, creating a close community atmosphere. However, the graduation rate of 31% may raise concerns, suggesting that students might face challenges in completing their degrees, which is an important factor to consider in your decision-making process.

83% accepted 31% graduate $38,484 earnings

Williams's full profile

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR · 1,807 students · Public

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has a welcoming community with 1,807 students and a graduation rate of 40%. It’s particularly known for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a strong sense of belonging while pursuing their academic goals.

41% accepted 40% graduate $35,550 earnings

University's full profile

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,456 students · Public

In Arkadelphia, Henderson State University serves a student body of 1,456 and emphasizes a balanced college experience through a variety of programs. The graduation rate is 38%, and the university prides itself on nurturing students who thrive in both academics and extracurricular activities, creating a vibrant campus life.

38% graduate $43,459 earnings

Henderson's full profile

Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR · 751 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of 751, Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR, fosters a close-knit community that can feel like home. It serves a diverse population, with 68% of students receiving Pell Grants, reflecting its commitment to supporting those from low-income backgrounds. The school's mission emphasizes social justice and community engagement, making it a compelling choice for students who want to make a difference while pursuing their education.

31% graduate $38,427 earnings

Philander's full profile

Lyon College

Batesville, AR · 648 students · Private nonprofit

Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, is a smaller institution with around 648 students, fostering a tight-knit community focused on liberal arts education. Despite its lower graduation rate of 51%, Lyon's commitment to personalized learning and mentorship can be a significant advantage for students seeking individualized attention.

63% accepted 51% graduate $44,232 earnings

Lyon's full profile

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · 2,708 students · Public

Southern Arkansas University, located in Magnolia, serves over 2,700 students in a welcoming public setting. Though the graduation rate is 48%, the university offers a variety of programs that support students in their academic journeys and prepare them for future careers.

75% accepted 48% graduate $42,386 earnings

Southern's full profile

Central Baptist College

Conway, AR · 484 students · Private nonprofit

With a close-knit community of just 484 students, Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas, emphasizes personal attention and support. The school has a 35% graduation rate, which may suggest challenges, but many students thrive in its nurturing environment, especially those seeking a faith-based education.

63% accepted 35% graduate $46,789 earnings

Central's full profile

University of Arkansas Grantham

LIttle Rock, AR · 2,833 students · Public

Located in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas Grantham serves over 2,800 students and offers a pragmatic approach to education. With a graduation rate of 32%, it caters to a diverse array of learners, including many non-traditional students who appreciate the flexibility of its programs and the supportive community.

32% graduate $63,496 earnings

University's full profile

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

DK

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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