Rankings / By State

Best Colleges in Arkansas

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 21 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$46,239

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

48%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$15,883

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a college in Arkansas means considering a range of schools that share a commitment to student success and community engagement. With 21 schools to explore, prospective students and their families have plenty of options to weigh when it comes to finding the right fit.

The strongest institutions on this list stand out based on key metrics like earnings, graduation rates, net price, and levels of student debt. For example, the University of Arkansas boasts earnings of $58,191 and a graduation rate of 70%, setting it apart from other schools. Understanding how these factors interplay can help families make informed decisions about where to apply.

Take the University of Arkansas and Hendrix College, for instance. While both schools have solid earnings — $58,191 and $60,376, respectively — they differ significantly in net price and debt levels. Hendrix has a net price of $24,149 and debt averaging $26,688, compared to the University of Arkansas's $18,209 net price and $21,500 debt. This contrast highlights the tradeoffs families may face as they evaluate their options.

Key Findings

The average earnings for graduates in Arkansas are $46,239.

Graduation rates across these schools average 48%.

The University of Arkansas has a graduation rate of 70%, the highest on this list.

Hendrix College graduates face an average debt of $26,688, the highest among the top five schools.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 21

Avg. earnings at 10yr $46,239

Avg. graduation rate 48%

Avg. net price $15,883

Avg. median debt $20,584

How We Ranked

Composite score for institutions in Arkansas

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

Graduation69%

Earnings$53,907

Net Price$20,397

View full profile →

Hendrix College

Conway, AR

Graduation71%

Earnings$60,376

Net Price$24,149

View full profile →

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR

Graduation55%

Earnings$42,617

Net Price$12,366

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

John Brown University

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

Located in Siloam Springs, John Brown University fosters a close-knit community of just over 1,400 students. The school provides a supportive environment that encourages personal and spiritual growth, with median earnings of $53,907 for graduates ten years post-degree, highlighting the effectiveness of its educational approach.

76% accepted 69% graduate $53,907 earnings

Hendrix College

Conway, AR · 1,100 students · Private nonprofit

In Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix College is a small liberal arts school with a tight-knit community of 1,100 students. With a graduation rate of 71%, it emphasizes a personalized education that helps students thrive academically and socially, preparing them for successful futures.

56% accepted 71% graduate $60,376 earnings

Hendrix's full profile

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · 9,110 students · Public

Arkansas State University in Jonesboro serves a diverse student population of about 9,100. While the graduation rate is lower at 55%, the school provides students with opportunities to engage in various programs, and the median income for graduates stands at $42,617 after ten years, indicating potential for upward mobility.

82% accepted 55% graduate $42,617 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · 28,677 students · Public

With nearly 29,000 students, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville offers a vibrant campus life and a strong academic environment. Graduates here earn a median income of $58,191 a decade after completing their degree, suggesting a solid return on investment for students willing to commit to their studies.

74% accepted 70% graduate $58,191 earnings

University's full profile

Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,602 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Arkadelphia, Ouachita Baptist University is home to around 1,600 students and fosters a strong sense of community. With a graduation rate of 66%, it helps students develop both academically and personally, equipping them for life beyond the classroom.

68% accepted 66% graduate $51,673 earnings

Ouachita's full profile

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · 5,388 students · Public

Arkansas Tech University in Russellville is home to roughly 5,400 students and embraces a welcoming campus culture. Although it has a graduation rate of 49%, many students find it a nurturing environment, with median graduate earnings of $41,766 after a decade, suggesting that those who persist can find success.

96% accepted 49% graduate $41,766 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · 7,762 students · Public

The University of Central Arkansas, located in Conway, is a welcoming space for over 7,700 students. With a graduation rate of 53%, it's clear that many students find success here, and their median earnings of $45,938 a decade after graduation reflect the quality of education and opportunities available.

89% accepted 53% graduate $45,938 earnings

University's full profile

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, AR · 767 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Clarksville, the University of the Ozarks is home to around 767 students, creating a tight-knit community that enhances the campus experience. The school maintains a graduation rate of 52%, and graduates earn a median of $44,384 within ten years, indicating that students leave well-equipped for their careers.

60% accepted 52% graduate $44,384 earnings

University's full profile

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR · 4,949 students · Public

With nearly 5,000 students, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a vibrant community where diversity thrives. The school has a strong focus on practical skills, reflected in its median earnings of $45,265 ten years post-graduation, which can be appealing for students looking to enter the workforce prepared.

59% accepted 42% graduate $45,265 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Harding University

Searcy, AR · 3,382 students · Private nonprofit

With 3,382 students, Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, cultivates a close-knit community focused on service and leadership. The school has a solid graduation rate of 70%, suggesting that students not only enroll but also complete their degrees in a supportive environment.

71% accepted 70% graduate $52,876 earnings

Harding's full profile

#11

Williams Baptist University

Walnut Ridge, AR · 478 students · Private nonprofit

Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge has a small student body of 478, creating an environment that fosters close relationships and individual attention. With a graduation rate of only 31%, the university is committed to helping students who may need extra support to complete their degrees despite the challenges.

83% accepted 31% graduate $38,484 earnings

Williams's full profile

#12

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, AR · 4,953 students · Public

NorthWest Arkansas Community College serves a diverse student body of nearly 5,000 in Bentonville. With a focus on accessible education, it supports many students from various backgrounds, including 23% who receive Pell Grants, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable pathways to higher education.

29% graduate $43,505 earnings

NorthWest's full profile

#13

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR · 1,807 students · Public

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public institution with an enrollment of 1,807 students, and it has a strong focus on community engagement and diversity. With a graduation rate of 40%, it reflects ongoing efforts to improve student success. The school is particularly appealing to students who are active in their communities, as 70% of its students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to accessibility and support for those from low-income backgrounds.

41% accepted 40% graduate $35,550 earnings

University's full profile

#14

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,456 students · Public

Henderson State University, situated in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, serves 1,456 students and offers a welcoming atmosphere with a variety of degree options. The school has a graduation rate of 38%, and its dedication to student support is reflected in its significant number of Pell Grant recipients—46% of students benefit from this financial aid. This suggests a community focused on helping students to succeed academically and personally.

38% graduate $43,459 earnings

Henderson's full profile

#15

Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR · 751 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of just 751, Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR, fosters a close-knit community that many students find supportive and engaging. The school is particularly committed to serving a diverse population, with 68% of its students receiving Pell Grants, which often indicates a dedication to accessibility and equity in education. The atmosphere here promotes not just academic success but also personal growth, making it a compelling choice for students looking for a more personalized college experience.

31% graduate $38,427 earnings

Philander's full profile

#16

Lyon College

Batesville, AR · 648 students · Private nonprofit

Lyon College, located in Batesville, Arkansas, has a unique charm with a small student body of 648. Despite a graduation rate of 51%, the college emphasizes personalized education and close relationships between students and faculty, which can lead to enriching academic experiences.

63% accepted 51% graduate $44,232 earnings

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · 4,091 students · Public

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith offers a welcoming environment for around 4,100 students, with an acceptance rate of 80%. This public university is committed to providing education that is both accessible and practical, ideal for those looking to balance academics with real-world applications.

80% accepted 37% graduate $41,102 earnings

University's full profile

#18

Central Baptist College

Conway, AR · 484 students · Private nonprofit

Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas, has a tight-knit community with a student body of just 484. A notable 40% of its students receive Pell Grants, highlighting its commitment to supporting those from low-income backgrounds. With a graduation rate of 35%, there's room for growth, but the college focuses on individual attention and mentorship to help students succeed.

63% accepted 35% graduate $46,789 earnings

Central's full profile

#19

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · 2,708 students · Public

Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia serves a diverse student population of 2,708. Although the graduation rate is 48%, the university provides a range of programs and resources aimed at supporting student success and career readiness.

75% accepted 48% graduate $42,386 earnings

Southern's full profile

#20

University of Arkansas Grantham

LIttle Rock, AR · 2,833 students · Public

Located in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas Grantham has an enrollment of 2,833 students, making it a robust option for those seeking a public university experience. The school has a strong focus on online degree programs, which can be a flexible choice for working adults or those balancing other commitments. With 72% of students receiving Pell Grants, it demonstrates a commitment to affordability for students from diverse backgrounds.

32% graduate $63,496 earnings

University's full profile

#21

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Beebe, AR · 1,986 students · Public

Arkansas State University-Beebe serves just under 2,000 students in a supportive, community-focused environment. With a graduation rate of 40%, the school is committed to helping students achieve their goals, but it also faces challenges to improve completion rates, as seen in the median earnings of $36,603 after ten years.

40% graduate $36,603 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

A closer look at the data reveals significant differences in student outcomes. For example, while both Arkansas State University and John Brown University have graduation rates below 70%, they diverge in earnings and net price. Arkansas State graduates earn an average of $42,617, while John Brown graduates earn about $53,907. However, this comes with a higher net price of $20,397 at John Brown, compared to Arkansas State's $12,366.

As you sift through the 21 options, consider how the figures relate to your priorities. Are you looking for a lower net price, or is a higher earning potential more important? Weighing personal factors like location, program fit, and financial situation against these metrics will help you pinpoint what matters most for your college experience.

Ultimately, these numbers reflect the broader landscape of college outcomes in Arkansas. Each decision can shape a student's path toward a stable life after graduation, making it essential for families to choose wisely. With the right school, students can not only graduate but also position themselves for future success in their careers.

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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