Rankings / By State

Best Biology Colleges in Arkansas

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 12 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$47,442

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

54%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$18,388

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing the right biology program can feel overwhelming, especially in Arkansas, where options vary widely in terms of outcomes and experience. With an average earnings potential of $47,442 for biology graduates across the state, students and families are looking for the best fit that not only prepares them academically but also supports their career aspirations.

What sets the top biology colleges apart is their focus on critical outcomes like graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, and manageable debt levels. For example, the schools featured here have graduation rates ranging from 51% to 71%, indicating a strong commitment to student success. The net price and debt levels also play a crucial role in determining the long-term financial health of graduates.

Take Hendrix College and the University of Arkansas as examples. While Hendrix offers higher earnings potential at $60,376 with a 71% graduation rate, University of Arkansas combines a competitive $58,191 in earnings with a lower net price of $18,209. These contrasts highlight the trade-offs students face when choosing a program that aligns with their financial and academic goals.

Key Findings

Hendrix College leads with $60,376 in average earnings for biology graduates.

The University of Arkansas has the lowest net price at $18,209 among top schools.

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 51% at Lyon College to 71% at Hendrix.

Ouachita Baptist University graduates carry an average debt of $21,050.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 12

Avg. earnings at 10yr $47,442

Avg. graduation rate 54%

Avg. net price $18,388

Avg. median debt $22,706

How We Ranked

Biology programs in Arkansas ranked by outcomes and program concentration

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

Hendrix College

Conway, AR

Graduation71%

Earnings$60,376

Net Price$24,149

View full profile →

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, AR

Graduation52%

Earnings$44,384

Net Price$17,360

View full profile →

Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR

Graduation66%

Earnings$51,673

Net Price$22,409

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Hendrix College

Conway, AR · 1,100 students · Private nonprofit

Hendrix College, located in Conway, Arkansas, cultivates a vibrant academic atmosphere for its 1,100 students. With a graduation rate of 71%, this college encourages students to engage deeply with their studies and extracurriculars, nurturing critical thinking and community involvement among peers who are equally passionate about their education.

56% accepted 71% graduate $60,376 earnings

Hendrix's full profile

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, AR · 767 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of just 767, the University of the Ozarks offers a close-knit community where students can thrive academically and socially. The school has a 52% graduation rate, indicating a supportive environment for students to reach their educational goals. Here, individuals are encouraged to engage deeply, making the most of the personalized attention available from faculty and staff.

60% accepted 52% graduate $44,384 earnings

University's full profile

Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,602 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Ouachita Baptist University is home to around 1,602 students who thrive in a nurturing Christian environment. The graduation rate of 66% speaks to the college's supportive culture, encouraging students to seek academic and personal growth while building lasting friendships in a close community.

68% accepted 66% graduate $51,673 earnings

Ouachita's full profile

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · 28,677 students · Public

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville serves a large and diverse community of 28,677 students, making it a hub for collaboration and innovation. With a graduation rate of 70%, it reflects a solid commitment to student success, and the vibrant campus life ensures there’s something for everyone, from academic clubs to outdoor activities.

74% accepted 70% graduate $58,191 earnings

University's full profile

John Brown University

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

At John Brown University, you’ll find a vibrant campus with a student population of 1,471, where a strong sense of community fosters personal and academic growth. The institution has a 69% graduation rate, showcasing its commitment to helping students finish their degrees and succeed in their careers. The focus on integrating faith and learning is a distinctive feature that resonates with many students who seek a holistic educational experience.

76% accepted 69% graduate $53,907 earnings

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · 7,762 students · Public

The University of Central Arkansas, located in Conway, is home to over 7,700 students who appreciate the blend of academic rigor and lively campus life. With a graduation rate of 53%, the university demonstrates a focus on student success and retention. It's a place where students can find their footing, develop leadership skills, and engage in various extracurricular activities that complement their studies.

89% accepted 53% graduate $45,938 earnings

University's full profile

Williams Baptist University

Walnut Ridge, AR · 478 students · Private nonprofit

Williams Baptist University, located in Walnut Ridge, AR, has a close-knit community with around 478 students, fostering a personal learning environment. While the graduation rate is lower at 31%, the median earnings of $38,484 at ten years indicate that there are pathways to success for those who do graduate.

83% accepted 31% graduate $38,484 earnings

Williams's full profile

Lyon College

Batesville, AR · 648 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of 648, Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, provides a tight-knit community where students can thrive academically and socially. The graduation rate sits at 51%, which may raise questions, but the supportive environment encourages persistence and growth, making it a great place for students who value individualized attention.

63% accepted 51% graduate $44,232 earnings

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR · 4,949 students · Public

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock provides a diverse environment for nearly 5,000 students, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Despite a graduation rate of 42%, the university is dedicated to improving student outcomes through various support services. Students here have access to a range of programs and resources that can help them navigate their academic journey and prepare for their future careers.

59% accepted 42% graduate $45,265 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Harding University

Searcy, AR · 3,382 students · Private nonprofit

With a solid graduation rate of 70%, Harding University in Searcy, AR, presents a strong option for students looking to complete their degrees. The median earnings of $52,876 a decade after graduation highlight the potential for a solid return on investment, especially for those who are committed to their education.

71% accepted 70% graduate $52,876 earnings

Harding's full profile

#11

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR · 1,807 students · Public

Located in Pine Bluff, AR, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public institution with a diverse student body of 1,807. The graduation rate of 40% reflects the challenges some students face, but the median earnings of $35,550 after ten years show that many find stability and growth in their careers after completing their studies.

41% accepted 40% graduate $35,550 earnings

University's full profile

#12

Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR · 751 students · Private nonprofit

Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR, is a smaller institution with 751 students, creating a tight-knit community. The graduation rate of 31% may seem low, but the median earnings of $38,427 at ten years suggest that graduates can still find opportunities in the workforce, provided they navigate their college experience effectively.

31% graduate $38,427 earnings

Philander's full profile

One trend that stands out is the correlation between graduation rates and earnings. For instance, Hendrix College's 71% graduation rate parallels its impressive earnings of $60,376, while Lyon College, with a lower graduation rate of 51%, results in considerably lower earnings at $44,232. This suggests that schools prioritizing student support and completion can lead to better financial outcomes.

If you've browsed through these 12 schools, consider what factors matter most to you. Are you looking for a lower net price, or is a higher graduation rate more critical? Evaluate how each institution aligns with your priorities, such as location and campus culture, to narrow down your options.

Ultimately, the data illustrates the importance of selecting a college that not only offers a solid education but also prepares graduates for a stable financial future. One decision can shape a family’s path for years to come, making it vital to choose wisely based on data that reflects real-world outcomes.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

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). →

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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