# Best Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 17 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-arkansas

## Methodology

Bachelor's programs in Arkansas ranked by outcomes and mobility

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [John Brown University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/john-brown-university) | Siloam Springs, AR | 69% | $53,907 | $20,397 | $21,250 | 0.39x |
| 2 | [Arkansas State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arkansas-state-university) | Jonesboro, AR | 55% | $42,617 | $12,366 | $20,500 | 0.48x |
| 3 | [Hendrix College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hendrix-college) | Conway, AR | 71% | $60,376 | $24,149 | $26,688 | 0.44x |
| 4 | [University of Arkansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas) | Fayetteville, AR | 70% | $58,191 | $18,209 | $21,500 | 0.37x |
| 5 | [Ouachita Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ouachita-baptist-university) | Arkadelphia, AR | 66% | $51,673 | $22,409 | $21,050 | 0.41x |
| 6 | [University of Central Arkansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-arkansas) | Conway, AR | 53% | $45,938 | $16,511 | $20,346 | 0.44x |
| 7 | [University of the Ozarks](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-ozarks) | Clarksville, AR | 52% | $44,384 | $17,360 | $20,875 | 0.47x |
| 8 | [University of Arkansas at Little Rock](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-at-little-rock) | Little Rock, AR | 42% | $45,265 | $17,248 | $22,000 | 0.49x |
| 9 | [Harding University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/harding-university) | Searcy, AR | 70% | $52,876 | $22,130 | $26,500 | 0.5x |
| 10 | [Williams Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/williams-baptist-university) | Walnut Ridge, AR | 31% | $38,484 | $15,745 | $21,820 | 0.57x |
| 11 | [University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-at-pine-bluff) | Pine Bluff, AR | 40% | $35,550 | $12,653 | $24,202 | 0.68x |
| 12 | [Henderson State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/henderson-state-university) | Arkadelphia, AR | 38% | $43,459 | $23,405 | $19,500 | 0.45x |
| 13 | [Philander Smith University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/philander-smith-university) | Little Rock, AR | 31% | $38,427 | $14,224 | $24,736 | 0.64x |
| 14 | [Lyon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lyon-college) | Batesville, AR | 51% | $44,232 | $19,616 | $21,500 | 0.49x |
| 15 | [Southern Arkansas University Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-arkansas-university-main-campus) | Magnolia, AR | 48% | $42,386 | $14,027 | $18,750 | 0.44x |
| 16 | [Central Baptist College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-baptist-college) | Conway, AR | 35% | $46,789 | $12,287 | $22,250 | 0.48x |
| 17 | [University of Arkansas Grantham](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-grantham) | LIttle Rock, AR | 32% | $63,496 | $8,370 | $21,956 | 0.35x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-arkansas

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.